Has India ever won medal in Asian Winter Games?

The Asian Winter Games began in 1986 in Sapporo, Japan.

The Asian Winter Games are knocking at the door! Athletes from all across Asia come together in Harbin, China, to fight for glory! A grand opening ceremony formally opens the competitions, which will run from February 7 to 14.

India has sent their largest-ever contingent for the Games, with 59 athletes competing across six disciplines namely – alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short-track speed skating, speed skating, and men’s ice hockey.

Alpine skier Mohammad Arif Khan will be one of the centre of attraction with his Winter Olympics Beijing participation credentials. Figure skater Tara Prasad and short-track speed skater Swarali Deo, are also some others to look after.

The Asian Winter Games, initiated in 1986 in Sapporo, Japan, have come a long way in preparation through the decades. From a minimal initial seven nations, participation surged towards becoming the most important winter field event where athletes puffing out their winter sports expertise across Asia come together.

The Changchun, China edition was the biggest ever in 2007, with 27 nations competing, while 2017 in Sapporo was the first time 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) took part. After hosting the games in 1996, Harbin is trying to deliver another significant edition.

Has India won any medals in the Asian Winter Games?

The short answer? No. Despite participating in seven previous editions, India has remained without a single medal at the Asian Winter Games.

Dig Deep! India who debuted in 1986 in Sapporo, Japan, and has since seen consistent appearances except for the 1996 Games in Harbin, has had no notable performances.

Any major shift? The 2011 Games in Kazakhstan marked the arrival of some major performances in cross-country skiing, with Tashi Lundup securing fifth place in the 15km free event. India then sent 27 athletes in the 2017 edition in Japan, but once again, a podium finish remained elusive.

And now? The 2025 edition represents another opportunity and with its biggest-ever contingent and increasing investment in winter sports, can India finally break the ice and clinch a historic medal?

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