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Writer's pictureKodagu Express Bureau

Kodagu Girl to Represent India in Asian Winter Games and World Championships in Skiing


Virajpet MLA and legal adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister A.S. Ponnanna introduced Bhavani to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Bengaluru: Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, a resident of Napoklu village in Kodagu district, has been selected to represent India in the skiing category at the upcoming Asian Winter Games 2025 and World Championships 2025. Bhavani’s selection marks a significant achievement as she is the only woman from South India to have been chosen for this sport. Additionally, she is making strides to secure a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics.


Virajpet MLA and legal adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister A.S. Ponnanna introduced Bhavani to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday, urging the Chief Minister to provide all the necessary facilities to support her future in sports. MLA Ponnanna highlighted Bhavani’s accomplishments and the potential she holds in bringing international recognition to Karnataka and India in winter sports.


Bhavani’s journey in skiing began with an introduction to mountaineering. In 2014, she successfully summited Mt. Rudegera in Uttarakhand as a member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This achievement sparked her interest in the mountains and the challenges they presented. In 2015, she pursued her passion further by undertaking a basic mountaineering course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, eventually summiting Renok Peak.


Her transition into skiing began in 2019 when she enrolled at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS) in Pahalgam, Kashmir. There, she earned an international instructor certificate in skiing, a crucial step in her professional development. By 2020, she had secured a position as a ski instructor with JIM&WS, solidifying her expertise in the sport.


Bhavani’s dedication and talent were further recognized earlier this year when she secured three gold medals at the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. She dominated the 10-km Nordic ski competition, the 1.6-km sprint, and the 5-km sprint events, showcasing her prowess and determination.


As Bhavani prepares to represent India on the international stage, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially from regions not traditionally associated with winter sports.


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