Bhavani Thekkada Skis for Olympic Dream, Puts India on Winter Sports Map

• Bhavani Thekkada, an Indian cross-country skier, is an Olympic hopeful aiming to put India on the winter sports map despite growing up without snow.
• Thekkada won India's first international medal in women's cross-country skiing (bronze in Chile), inspiring many in India.
• She faces significant challenges, including being largely self-funded and having less training/support compared to elite competitors.
• Thekkada is using her platform to advocate for government support for winter sports in India.
• Inspired by Marit Bjørgen, she aims to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games or the 2030 French Alps Olympics.

Why It Matters: Bhavani Thekkada's Olympic quest inspires India's winter sports future.