Kashmir’s snow-clad mountains have long been a breeding ground for some of India’s best skiers, and Wasim Bhat is one of them. Hailing from Tangmarg, near the famous slopes of Gulmarg, Bhat has carved his path in the competitive world of skiing, representing India internationally and pushing the limits of what’s possible for athletes from the region. In this candid interview, Bhat opens up about his early inspirations, the challenges he has faced, and the drive that keeps him pursuing his Olympic dream.
Q: When did you start skiing, and who introduced you to the sport?
I started skiing when I was six years old. My brother, who competed at both national and international levels, introduced me to it. He was an inspiration for me, but unfortunately, his career was cut short by an accident. He dreamed of going to the Olympics, and that dream has always stayed with me.
Q: How did your environment influence your skiing career?
I grew up in Tangmarg, close to Gulmarg, which is one of the best skiing spots in India. My brother encouraged me to take it seriously, and I did my first skiing course there. I was hesitant at first, especially because of the cold, but eventually, I started enjoying it. Gulmarg has a special place in my heart—it’s where I began my journey.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your biggest achievements?
My skiing career has had a lot of memorable moments. In 2013, I competed in the Junior National Skiing Championship in Auli, Uttarakhand, and although I ranked in the top 10, I wasn’t satisfied with my performance. But I kept practicing and returned in 2014 to win first place at the district level in Gulmarg and finished fourth in the Junior Nationals. That year ignited my passion for skiing even more. In 2017, I competed at the senior level, coming first at both the district and state levels. One of my biggest achievements, though, was representing India six times internationally and participating in the Asian Championship in Lebanon in 2021.
Q: What has been your most memorable ski run?
It has to be the competition in Dubai, where I ranked ninth. I was competing alongside Olympic and World Cup skiers, which was a surreal experience for me. It was the best run of my career so far, and the competition pushed me to give my absolute best.
Q: What has been the toughest challenge in your career?
Financial constraints have been my toughest challenge. Skiing is an expensive sport, especially when you want to compete at an international level. Proper gear costs lakhs, and in the beginning, I didn’t have access to high-quality equipment. But with support from my family, especially my brother, and through part-time jobs like coaching, I was able to overcome this challenge. My brother even gifted me a racer ski that cost almost ₹1 lakh when I ranked first at the senior level.
Q: How do you prepare for a ski season, both physically and mentally?
Skiing requires a lot of physical and mental preparation. We train in slalom using 42 poles, and one mistake can cost you the entire race. You need to be extremely fast—speeds can reach 130 km/h—so focus is critical. My training routine includes weight lifting, cycling, and running during the summer to maintain my fitness. In winters, I spend months on intense practice. Mentally, you need to stay sharp and prepared to handle the pressures of the race.
How do you manage the risks and fears that come with extreme skiing?
Skiing is an extreme sport, and the risk of injury or even death is always there. But it’s all about proper training. If you’re not trained well, especially in the icy conditions of Europe, the risk is higher. Over time, you learn to manage those fears. Experience and confidence help you push through those risky moments.
Q: What motivates you to continue pushing your limits?
Initially, it was my brother’s influence that pushed me to pursue skiing. Over time, though, recognition from social media, news articles, and my community motivated me. Being invited to schools and colleges as a guest or chief guest to share my experiences is an honor. It’s amazing to see how my journey has inspired others. On the top of that I want to participate in Olympics and this has been motivating me all along
Q: How do you balance skiing with your personal life?
It’s tough to balance skiing with other aspects of life, like studies. I had to make sacrifices. I was even enrolled in a B.P.Ed. course but couldn’t complete it because of my skiing commitments, especially when I was competing abroad. My family has been supportive throughout, even though they initially had concerns about my safety. We make sure to keep contact via video calls whenever I'm abroad.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?**
I love to do trekking and I also do water skiing in summers besides cycling and playing cricket. Staying active has always been a big part of my life, even when I’m not skiing. Spending time and hanging out with family and friends is also important to me.
Q: What advice do you have for young people interested in pursuing skiing?
My advice is to stay focused and work hard. In Kashmir, many people are drawn to cricket, but skiing offers incredible opportunities. The key is to push through the challenges and ignore the negativity around you. If you stay committed, you will achieve your goals, no matter the obstacles.