My focus is to bring attention to Kashmir, to Gulmarg, says Arif Khan a 31-year-old, Alpine Skier from Jammu and Kashmir who is the only athlete representing India at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics which began on Friday.
Khan will participate in two events - alpine skiing slalom and giant slalom. He is the first Indian athlete to qualify for two different events at the Winter Olympics.
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Arif hails from Tangmarg hill station, near Gulmarg in Kashmir. He attributes his success to his father, Yaseen Khan a ski tour operator. Yaseen introduced Arif to skiing when he was less than 10-years-old.
When asked how does it feel visiting home earlier and after qualifying for the Winter Olympics?
"I was always respected and loved but It is a great feeling people come to me with different approach and special young athletes feel inspired when i run down on native slopes," Khan said.
Arif is hopeful that if the infrastructure is upgraded in Kashmir, India will have top-level athletes represent the country in winter sports.
"My dream has been to inspire people, especially back in Jammu and Kashmir. I always wanted to be someone that can really draw a line for the generation to follow and I see myself doing something closer," Khan said.
Khan who reached China amidst the political turmoil surrounding the games has his events on February 13 and 16.