Kajal Kumari Rai Secures Double Gold at Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg
In the serene, snow-covered expanse of Gulmarg's Golf Course in Jammu and Kashmir, Kajal Kumari Rai crossed the finish line with quiet determination. As she slowed her skis, her breath formed clouds in the crisp mountain air, and her gaze drifted beyond the cheering spectators and fluttering flags. For a moment, she stood motionless, absorbing the profound significance of her achievement. Another gold medal—her second in just two days at the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG).
A Triumph Born from Grief
On Monday, the 25-year-old athlete from Meghalaya clinched gold in the Nordic Women's 15-kilometer sprint. She followed this with another victory on Tuesday, winning the 10-kilometer sprint and completing a sweep of both events. This remarkable performance transformed deep personal sorrow into a story of triumph. Kajal's father passed away unexpectedly in February last year, mere days before the KIWG 2025. She rushed home to Shillong for the final rites, and the grief lingered long after. Although she competed at that time, her body moved while her spirit remained heavy with loss. In that period of silence, the CRPF cross-country skier made a solemn promise to herself: she would return and win in honor of her father. With two races and two gold medals, she has now fulfilled that heartfelt vow.
An Unlikely Journey to Skiing Excellence
Kajal's accomplishment is particularly striking because she hails from Meghalaya, a state where Nordic skiing was once unimaginable. She only began her skiing journey in 2024, with no family tradition in the sport and no childhood winters spent on skis—only sheer determination and resilience. For three intensive weeks, she trained at the Indian Army's High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, where she mastered skiing techniques, survival skills, and a sense of belonging in the mountainous terrain. "They improved our skills and gave us confidence," Kajal remarked, reflecting on her training experience.
Kashmir's vast, silent landscapes and perfect powder soon felt like a second home to her. Her resilience was forged earlier in her career with the CRPF, where endurance is a fundamental aspect of the job. It was there that she discovered winter sports, observed Army athletes pursuing Olympic dreams, and began to envision her own path in competitive skiing.
Crediting Support and Personal Consistency
Kajal acknowledges fellow CRPF soldier Lokesh Kumar for sparking her belief in her abilities, but she emphasizes that consistency has been the cornerstone of her success. "I saw athletes from places without proper facilities succeed," she explained. "I decided not to complain and just focus on my training and goals." Now, with two gold medals around her neck, Kajal is no longer merely a skier from a snowless state; she has emerged as a champion who has honored her father's memory through her perseverance and skill.
Looking Ahead to Future Aspirations
Kajal's journey, she asserts, is only just beginning. Her sights are now firmly set on competing at the Olympics and World Championships, aiming to represent India on the global stage. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how dedication and heart can overcome geographical and personal challenges.
Army Leads Medal Tally at KIWG
On a day when honors were shared among various competitors, the Army secured its fourth gold medal in the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games, propelling them to the top of the medal standings on Tuesday. Haryana maintains the second position with four gold medals, all earned by their skaters in Leh, while Maharashtra trails closely behind, just one gold medal adrift.
In a notable achievement, Kamiyaa Karthikeyan delivered Maharashtra its first gold medal from the ski mountaineering (vertical) competition on Gulmarg's Kongdoori slopes, adding to the diverse successes at the event.
