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In a country where only 4 out of 29 states receive snowfall, in a sport which cannot exist without snow and in a country where sport means cricket, it is fair to say that 21-year-old Aanchal Thakur went against all odds to bag India’s first ever international medal in skiing at the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup, organised by the Fédération Internationale de Ski (highest governing body in the world for international winter sports) in Turkey on Wednesday.
The bronze medallist who hails from a small village called Burua in Manali spoke to Times of India shortly after she entered history books, “Months of training have finally borne fruit,” said the skier who trained under Indian veteran skier and two time Olympian - Hira Lal. “I started well and managed to take a good lead, which helped later in getting the third-place finish,” she added.
Aanchal’s glorious moment was anything but straightforward to attain what with the lack of financial support by the Indian government towards winter sports athletes. 5 time Olympian, 3 time Asian Cup gold medallist and India’s only luge athlete - Shiva Keshavan had to face similar hardships in 2015 when his American coach - Duncan Kennedy had to quit training Shiva as a result of no salary by the government. Disappointed with the government, Shiva ended up pulling out of the 2016 World Luge Championships.
A professional skiers equipment involves skis, boots and bindings, poles, helmets, suits, goggles and gloves which easily comes up to Rs. 10 lakh but it seems like history is repeating itself. “This is a breakthrough for the sport in India and the entire skiing fraternity is proud of her achievement,” said Aanchal’s father - Roshan Thakur. “The bureaucrats in the sports ministry do not acknowledge skiing as a sport. I want to see my daughter and son represent the country in the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Centre only funds travel and logistics from one Olympic to another. Rest of the time, you have to fend for yourself,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi was quick to congratulate the record-breaking Indian with the following tweet:
While India has made a quantum leap in winter sports, thanks to Aanchal’s efforts, one has to think it is a bit futile to see support pouring in from the government after the apples have been picked, rather than before and during.
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