India Shines at 2026 ISMF Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships

The 2026 ISMF Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships kicked off with Indian athletes making a remarkable impact, achieving historic top-10 finishes. Siddharth Gadekar and Shardul Thapliyal excelled in the Men's category, while Kaamya Karthikeyan shone in the Women's category. This unprecedented success reflects a significant step forward for winter sports in India, driven by a four-year initiative to professionalize the sport. As the championships continue, the Indian team is poised for further challenges, aiming to capitalize on their momentum and establish a strong presence on the international stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 14:16 IST

A Historic Start for Indian Winter Sports

In a significant milestone for winter sports in India, the national flag was proudly displayed at the Yabuli Ski Resort as the 2026 ISMF Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships commenced. Indian athletes showcased their skills against top competitors from across Asia, marking a promising new chapter for the sport in the Himalayan region.

The Vertical Challenge: A Remarkable Top-10 Achievement

The championships kicked off with the demanding Vertical race, which tests both cardiovascular endurance and technical skill.

In a remarkable achievement, all three Indian competitors made it into the top tier of the continental rankings.

Siddharth Gadekar excelled in the Men's category, finishing an impressive 7th, while Shardul Thapliyal closely followed in 8th place.

In the Women's category, Kaamya Karthikeyan, the only female athlete from India, also secured a commendable 7th place.

This marks an unprecedented accomplishment for India, with three athletes finishing in the top 10 at an Asian-level championship. Their strong performance follows a successful season at the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, demonstrating their capability to compete with Asia's elite.

Establishing a Global Presence

The success witnessed in Harbin is attributed to a focused four-year initiative aimed at professionalizing ski mountaineering in India. Praveen Sood (Pintu), President of the SkiMo India Federation, expressed pride in the team's achievements and highlighted the federation's dedication to achieving international standards.

"For the past four years, we have been actively promoting ski mountaineering in India," Sood stated. "Our federation adheres to the guidelines set by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) to ensure our development aligns with global benchmarks. We have collaborated closely with state governments and the Ministry of Sports to provide our athletes with a top-tier platform domestically. This year's National Championship and the Khelo India Winter Games were organized to meet international standards, specifically to prepare them for this level of competition," he added.

Sood emphasized that the results from Day 1 represent the best overall finishes ever achieved by Indian athletes at the Asian level. "Today is a proud moment for us. This is merely the beginning of India's journey as a serious competitor in winter sports."

Looking Forward

While the Vertical race has set a high standard on the opening day, the Indian team is not done yet. With three athletes representing the nation, they are gearing up for two more crucial races in the upcoming days.

The atmosphere within the Indian camp is filled with confidence and determination. As the championships progress until March 20, all eyes are on the Yabuli slopes to see if India can build on this historic momentum.