Srinagar, December 29: Arif Mohammad Khan, a professional alpine ski racer from north Kashmir’s Tangmarg, has added yet another feather to his hat by qualifying for the Giant Slalom event at Kolasin Montenegro. Arif thus becomes the first Indian ever to qualify for two Olympic events in men’s category.
Khan confirmed this to Kashmir Images from Kolasin Montenegro saying that he achieved this remarkable feat, a month after qualifying for the Slalom event for Beijing Winter Olympics.
“This qualification gives me a sense of accomplishment and I believe it will motivate the young winter sportspersons in Kashmir to aim for the highest level of competitions,” said Khan.
“I will continue to work towards the goal of clinching a medal at the Olympics and look forward to an exciting Olympic season. I have reached a stage where I strongly feel to tell the sports authorities of my country to keep supporting the winter athletes so that they bring laurels for the country,” he added.
More pertinently, Khan brought much-needed recognition to the Indian winter sports by qualifying for Winter Olympics (slalom category) to be held in Beijing in February, 2022.
He will represent India in the slalom (alpine skiing discipline) and giant slalom events at Beijing Winter Olympics. He is set to become the only skier to represent India in Winter Olympics this year.
Khan, who has represented India in more than 100 ski events held across the world, had been undergoing ski training in Europe for the most part of this year.
