Bhavani Thekkada Becomes the First Indian to Compete at the Cross Country Skiing World Cup
In 2025, India marked a groundbreaking moment in winter sports when Bhavani Thekkada represented the nation in the Classic 10 km event at the Cross Country Skiing World Cup in Ruka, Finland. With this achievement, she became the first-ever Indian to compete at this prestigious global event. Her journey is not just a sporting milestone; it is proof of courage, resilience, and the power of impossible dreams.Roots in Kodagu: Where Her Journey BeganBorn and raised in Napoklu, Kodagu, Bhavani (Rachana) Nanjunda grew up surrounded by hills, forests, and the spirit of adventure. Kodagu, known for producing soldiers, athletes and passionate outdoor enthusiasts, nurtured her early love for challenging terrains. Long before she dreamt of representing India on the snow tracks of Europe, she was already carving her identity as a mountaineer, trekker, and later, a pioneering skier. Her childhood landscape became her first training ground. Every climb, every trail, and every challenge in the Western Ghats quietly prepared her for a life of endurance.Early Mountaineering Years: The Foundation of StrengthBhavani’s formal journey began in 2014 when she completed her Basic Mountaineering Course from ABVIMAS with an A grade. She soon became part of the NCC Girls’ Expedition to Mt. Rudegera in Uttarakhand, a formative experience that taught her discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and IMF Delhi further sharpened her skills. In 2015, her hunger for more high-altitude experience led her to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, where she completed the Special Basic Course in the harsh winter of January. She summited Renok peak and later participated in the AIVSC event in Rajasthan, strengthening her exposure to diverse terrains. These years were more than achievements; they were the building blocks of mental and physical endurance required for a sport as demanding as cross-country skiing.Stepping Into Leadership and ExcellenceBy 2016, Bhavani’s mountaineering career soared further. She was selected for the Republic Day NCC contingent at Rajpath, a proud moment that symbolized discipline and national pride. She soon completed her Advanced Mountaineering Course and summited iconic peaks, including Friendship Peak and Mt. Stock Kangri at 20,187 ft. Her consistency and passion were evident. In 2017, she earned an A-grade in the Method of Instruction (MOI) course from HMI Darjeeling and later served as a guest instructor. Teaching others made her stronger and deepened her understanding of the mountains she loved.The Leap Into Skiing: A New Dream Takes ShapeWhile mountaineering gave her strength, skiing gave her purpose. In 2019, Bhavani scaled Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, in an eight-hour push, an extraordinary feat. During this era, she trained rigorously in skiing, completing her basic and intermediate courses from Jawaharlal Institute of Mountaineering and her advanced certification from IISM, Kashmir. The same year, she travelled to New Zealand to polish her craft and earned the prestigious NZSIA Level-1 International Ski Instructor Certificate, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this honor. It was here that she transitioned from a mountaineer to a globally recognized ski athlete.National Recognition and the Rise of a ChampionIn 2020, Bhavani represented Karnataka for the first time at the National Skiing & Snowboarding Championships in Auli. She soon competed in the National Biathlon Championships and Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, where she won two bronze medals in 10 km and 5 km cross-country skiing. These victories made her the first South Indian athlete to gain national recognition in the sport. In 2021, she added another proud milestone by winning gold and bronze medals for Karnataka at the 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games. Understanding the World Cup: A Stage for the StrongestThe FIS Cross-Country World Cup, established officially in 1981, is one of the most elite competitions in winter sports. Athletes compete across Distance and Sprint categories, earning points through consistent performance. With events held across Europe, North America, and Asia, the World Cup demands exceptional stamina, technique, and mental toughness. For an athlete from a tropical country like India, where snow sports remain underdeveloped, to qualify and compete is a monumental achievement. Bhavani Thekkada’s entry into the Cross Country Skiing World Cup is not just a personal win. It signals a new beginning for India. Her achievement will inspire more young athletes, encourage investment in winter sports, and shine a global spotlight on Indian talent in the snow. Bhavani’s journey is a reminder that mountains are not obstacles; they are invitations. And she has answered every one of them with courage, grace, and an unbreakable spirit.
