Bhavani Thekkada's journey to potentially becoming a Winter Olympian is an inspiring story of determination, hard work, and breaking barriers. Growing up on a coffee farm in southern India, the 30-year-old athlete had limited exposure to winter sports. Now, she's aiming for a spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, with the hopes of inspiring others in her country to pursue winter sports.

Thekkada's journey began far from the snow-covered slopes typically associated with cross-country skiing. Her upbringing on a coffee farm in Karnataka presented a unique contrast to the world of winter sports. It wasn't until she was 20 years old that she saw snow for the first time. Despite the late start, she became fascinated by mountaineering and adventure sports.

Her introduction to skiing happened in Kashmir, and she was immediately captivated. Just three weeks later, despite still learning how to stay upright, she competed at the national level. This initial spark ignited a passion that would lead her to pursue cross-country skiing professionally.

Thekkada's dedication to her sport is evident in her rigorous training regimen. Lacking the infrastructure and resources available to athletes from established winter sports nations, she has had to be resourceful and self-reliant. She chases winter across the globe to train, roller skis in Mumbai, and strength trains in Europe. She has also trained with the Army at Gulmarg, who provided accommodation and technical facilities.

Her efforts have begun to pay off. In September 2025, Thekkada won a bronze medal in a 5-kilometer race in Chile, marking India's first international medal in women's cross-country skiing. While the field of competitors was small, the achievement was a significant milestone in her career and for winter sports in India.

Despite the challenges, Thekkada remains focused on her goals. She sees the Olympics as a chance to inspire others in India to take up winter sports. She has been chronicling her journey on social media, and her story has gained traction in Indian media. A member of Parliament from her region even acknowledged her achievements, calling her an inspiration to the younger generation. Thekkada has also used her platform to advocate for more government support for winter sports athletes in India.

Thekkada's journey is not just about personal achievement; it's also about putting India on the winter sports map. While Alpine skier Arif Khan was the only Indian to compete at the 2022 Beijing Games, Thekkada hopes to join him and pave the way for future generations of Indian winter athletes. She understands the importance of grassroots development and has been conducting seminars to motivate youngsters to take up winter sports.

As she continues her pursuit of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Bhavani Thekkada's story serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to defy expectations, anything is possible. Her journey from a coffee farm to the slopes of international competition is a testament to the power of dreams and the human spirit.