Aanchal Thakur

Aanchal Thakur (born 28 August 1996) is an Indian alpine skier from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. She is known for being the first Indian athlete to win an international medal in an official skiing event recognised by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Competing mainly in the slalom and giant slalom disciplines, she has emerged as a pioneering figure in Indian winter sports and an inspiration for athletes from mountainous regions.

Early Life and Background

Aanchal Thakur was born and raised in Manali, a region with natural snow-covered slopes that nurtured her passion for skiing from an early age. Coming from a sports-oriented family, she was introduced to skiing by her father, who encouraged both her and her brother, also a skier, to train professionally. By the age of five, Aanchal was already skiing on the slopes of Himachal Pradesh.
Her talent led her to pursue formal training in alpine skiing and register with the International Ski Federation (FIS), gaining recognition as a professional athlete. Her upbringing in the Himalayas gave her a strong foundation in handling varied snow conditions and developing technical precision on the slopes.

Career Development and Early Competitions

Aanchal Thakur began her professional journey representing India at international competitions as a teenager. She participated in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics held in Innsbruck, Austria, where she competed in the slalom and giant slalom categories. This marked her entry onto the global winter sports stage and established her as a promising skier.
Over the years, she continued to represent India in multiple international events and FIS competitions, steadily improving her performance and technique. Her commitment to training and her perseverance in a sport with limited resources in India set her apart from her contemporaries.

Historic Achievements and International Recognition

Aanchal Thakur’s career reached a historic milestone in January 2018, when she became the first Indian skier to win a medal at an FIS-sanctioned event. She secured a bronze medal in the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup held in Turkey. This victory brought her widespread acclaim across the country and drew attention to India’s potential in winter sports.
In December 2021, she added another significant achievement by winning a bronze medal in an FIS event held in Kolasin, Montenegro. The following year, in 2022, she continued her successful streak by winning four silver medals at the UAE Alpine Slalom Championships in Dubai. These performances qualified her for the 2023 World Ski Championships, reaffirming her position as India’s leading alpine skier.

Style and Technique

Aanchal competes primarily in the technical alpine disciplines—slalom and giant slalom—which demand agility, speed, precision, and mental focus. Her skiing style is characterised by sharp turns, excellent control, and adaptability to changing snow conditions. She often trains on artificial and natural snow surfaces, mastering techniques used in international circuits.
Her music-like rhythm on slopes and strong body balance have earned her praise from coaches and competitors alike. Despite coming from a country with limited skiing infrastructure, her ability to compete with athletes from established skiing nations demonstrates her exceptional talent and discipline.

Challenges in Indian Winter Sports

The path to success for Aanchal Thakur has not been without obstacles. India’s winter sports infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with limited ski resorts, inadequate funding, and a lack of professional training facilities. Athletes often face difficulties in accessing equipment, sponsorships, and consistent international exposure.
Aanchal has spoken about these challenges on several occasions, emphasising the need for better institutional support for winter athletes. She has advocated for increased government and private investment in snow sports to enable more young Indians from mountainous regions to pursue skiing professionally.

Recent Developments and Future Aspirations

As of recent years, Aanchal Thakur continues to actively participate in FIS competitions and remains focused on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her consistent performances in international tournaments have made her one of India’s most successful winter sports athletes.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, she has become an ambassador for the promotion of winter sports in India. Through her journey, she aims to inspire more young athletes, especially women, to break into competitive skiing and represent India globally.

Recognition and Legacy

Aanchal Thakur’s achievements have been celebrated nationally and internationally. Her historic medal win in 2018 was widely recognised by sporting bodies and the Indian public, marking a turning point for Indian representation in winter sports.
She has since become a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly those from hilly regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Her story reflects the potential of Indian athletes in global winter disciplines and highlights the importance of perseverance despite infrastructural challenges.
Aanchal has been featured in numerous interviews, sports magazines, and national platforms for her contributions to Indian skiing. Her determination, humility, and dedication to her sport continue to inspire a generation of young sportspeople.