Gulmarg (J&K), Feb 23 (NationPress) The three talented athletes in the spotlight—Sahil Thakur, Syed Zain, and Faizan Ahmad Lone—share a common mentor and a unified aspiration. Their connection transcends mere geography.

On a ridge sculpted by the winds above Gulmarg, where the snow sparkles with the promise of ambition, these young Indian alpine skiers are shaping more than just paths on the ice; they are forging their futures.

While Manali’s steep slopes and Kashmir’s soft powder are worlds apart, they are united by a foundation of belief instilled under the guidance of Mohammad Arif Khan, the first Indian to represent the nation at the Winter Olympics on two occasions.

Under Khan’s mentorship, the trio recently honed their skills in Italy’s Sudtirol region, immersing themselves in the technical precision and competitive spirit that characterize Europe's alpine champions.

For 19-year-old Sahil Thakur, skiing is a legacy intertwined with his instincts. Growing up in Manali in a family where snow serves as both playground and profession, with his father Devi Chand and brothers Rajneesh and Rahul all being skiers, Sahil holds Italy in high esteem.

“Upon my return, I sensed a significant difference,” Sahil shares. “The coaching and focus on technique transform your perspective of the mountain.”

A national gold and silver medallist, Sahil is set to compete in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and now sets his sights on the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. His aspirations are not just hopeful; they are resolute.

While Sahil’s journey is deeply rooted in his ancestry, Syed Zain’s path is forged from determination. Hailing from Humhama on the outskirts of Srinagar, the 16-year-old has emerged from a background far removed from the European hubs of Alpine skiing. His achievements include two gold medals in Slalom and Giant Slalom at the inaugural Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in 2020, followed by two silver medals at the Junior Nationals in 2022.

“Skiing is often seen as a European sport,” Zain remarked. “Yet Olympians like Arif Khan have shown us that it can also thrive in India.”

Zain’s foundation was laid at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) in Gulmarg, further enhanced by Khan’s coaching and solidified alongside 35 to 40 fellow Indian athletes during the training camp in Italy.

He also acknowledges the influence of six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan, whose legacy continues to bolster India's winter sports landscape.

Faizan Ahmad Lone’s narrative is one of resilience bolstered by opportunity. A five-time national gold medallist and four-time Khelo India champion, the 19-year-old Faizan's rise has been fueled not only by his talent but also by essential backing.

“Skiing can be quite costly,” he says. “Arif didn’t just coach me; he also assisted me in securing sponsorship, enabling me to compete on an international stage.”

Faizan has represented India at the 2025 Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China, and participated in FIS races across Dubai and Kazakhstan—each event marking another stride in India’s gradual ascent in alpine skiing.

Beyond the accolades, training camps, and Olympic ambitions lies a subtler emblem of their collective journey.

Each of their helmets is adorned with the signature of Federica Brignone, the Italian Olympic champion and a prominent figure in modern Alpine skiing. This ink on plastic carries a significant weight of potential.

“Her signature serves as a reminder of our purpose,” they express. “It helps us maintain our focus and fuels our dreams.”

On the slopes of Gulmarg, where the crisp air sharpens resolve and every descent requires bravery, Sahil, Zain, and Faizan have transcended their roles as mere trainees. They have become the torchbearers of a nation still discovering its passion for winter sports. As they navigate the terrain between gravity and glory, they are charting a course down the mountain and towards history.