Winter Olympics 2026: Meet the South Asian Underdogs
Their countries have little snow, scarce funding, and difficult odds. These athletes are chasing history anyway.
No South Asian country has ever medaled in the games, but India is among the most consistent Winter Olympics participants. The nation first participated in the Winter Games in 1964, thanks to Jeremy Bujakowski, a Polish Indian alpine skier. He couldn’t finish the men’s downhill event due to an injury but returned in 1968, participating in three events (downhill, slalom, giant slalom). In the decades since, athletes from South Asia have been few and far between. That said, this year’s cohort includes seasoned Olympians, returning for their second or fourth appearances. Without further ado, here are the subcontinental skiers to watch out for as the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The Winter Games began in 1924, making this year the coveted 25th edition.