NewKerala.com

Arif Khan Secures India's Slalom Skiing Quota for 2026 Winter Olympics

Alpine skier Arif Khan has secured a quota place for India in the slalom event for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. His participation now awaits formal confirmation by the Indian Olympic Association to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Khan was India's sole representative at the 2022 Beijing Games, where he made history by qualifying for two events. He achieved India's best-ever Olympic finish in giant slalom with a 45th-place result.

Key Points: Arif Khan Wins India's 2026 Winter Olympics Slalom Quota

  • Quota secured for Milano Cortina 2026
  • IOA confirmation pending
  • Was India's sole rep in 2022
  • First Indian for two direct quotas in one edition
  • Best Indian finish in giant slalom history
2 min read

Arif Khan bags slalom skiing quota for India in 2026 Winter Olympics

Alpine skier Arif Khan secures India's slalom quota for Milano Cortina 2026, potentially marking his second Olympic appearance after Beijing 2022.

"Arif Khan secured the quota for India in the slalom skiing event for the 2026 Winter Olympics - Olympics.com"

New Delhi, January 19

Alpine skier Arif Khan secured the quota for India in the slalom skiing event for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, which will be held from February 6 to 22 in Italy.

While Arif secured the quota for India, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is now left to confirm his participation in the marquee Winter sports events to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in a day's time, as per Olympics.com.

A total of 306 athletes at maximum can compete in the Winter Olympics in alpine skiing, with each country allowed to field 22 players, 11 men and women's each. Slalom is one of the five alpine skiing events, with downhill, super G, giant slalom and combined being the other four.

As a criterion for quota at the Winter Olympics, the average of the five best results from July 1 2024, to January 18 this year was considered, and this period witnessed athletes get FIS points and results that counted in their Olympic FIS points list, which was used to decide the athletes getting quotas.

A maximum of 120 FIS points was to be scored in slalom, calculated from the average of their best five scores during the qualification period. Arif had enough points on the board, with nine results under 120 FIS in 2024 and 2025. Seven of these came at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and two in Romania at Arieseni.

Arif was also notably India's sole representative in the Winter Olympics 2022, which took place in Beijing, and if he participates, it would be his second appearance at the event. He is a national, South Asia-level champion in alpine skiing and had made the cut for giant slalom as well for Beijing, making him the first Indian to qualify for two direct quotas in two different Winter Olympic events in a single edition.

Arif registered a 45th-place finish in giant slalom, the best result by an Indian at this event in Winter Olympics history and a landmark in its own right, but he did not finish in the men's slalom event at Beijing 2022.

The men's races will be organised at Stelvio Ski Centre while alpine skiing events will take place from February 7 to 18.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud! It's amazing to see him qualify again. The fact that he trained at Ski Dubai shows the global nature of sports today. Hope the IOA confirms his participation quickly and gives him all the support he needs. We are rooting for you, Arif!
R
Rohit P
Great achievement, but it also highlights how little support winter sports get in India. We have talent in the mountains, but where is the infrastructure? Hope this success leads to more investment in skiing and other winter sports facilities in places like Gulmarg and Auli.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows winter sports, this is a significant step. Qualifying via FIS points is tough. His 45th place in giant slalom in Beijing was actually a very respectable result given the competition. Wishing him the best for a better finish this time!
V
Vikram M
Jai Hind! 🎿 This news made my day. From the mountains of Kashmir to the world stage. He is carrying the hopes of a billion. Let's all get behind him. #CheerForIndia
M
Michael C
Respect for the perseverance. To be the sole representative and then come back to qualify again shows incredible mental strength. The Winter Olympics need more diverse representation, and athletes like Arif Khan are crucial for that.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50