Athletes gear up on Narkanda slopes for Special Olympics

The Indian team is sweating it out on the ski slopes of Narkanda, near Shimla, in preparation for the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy this March. A total of 39 athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) are sharpening their skills in events like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing to bring glory to the country.

“The athletes are progressing well and we are optimistic about their performance at the games. We have secured medals in previous editions of the event,” said Parikshit Mehdudia, Himachal Director of Special Olympics Bharat. He also mentioned that Indian athletes performed well in the last World Winter Games held in Austria. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Special Olympics Bharat are funding the preparatory camps and the team's participation in the games.

A 49-member contingent, including 30 athletes, coaches and support staff, will represent India at the games. Mehdudia, who will lead the team, said Indian athletes will compete in six events — alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and floorball — along with athletes from 102 countries. Besides the snow sports camp in Narkanda, ice skating camp is being held at an all-weather rink in Gurgaon and a floorball camp is being held in Chandigarh.

To offer proper coaching, specialised coaches have been deputed at the camps. “We need to be extra cautious with special athletes, but they are equipped with the right gear to reduce the risk of injury,” said Rajesh Sharma, the coach for alpine skiing. However, the athletes and coaches face a challenge in Narkanda due to the absence of a ski lift, making it difficult for skiers to return to the top of the slope. “The demand for a ski lift at Narkanda has been raised multiple times, but it remains unmet. If this facility is provided, it will be of immense benefit to the skiers,” said Mehdudia.