Skier Aanchal Thakur eyes Winter Olympics 2022 qualification after creating history

India's ace skier Aanchal Thakur is aiming for the 2022 Winter Games qualification after becoming the first Indian to win two medals at an international event.

Aanchal, who hails from Manali, clocked a timing of 1:54:30 and won the bronze medal at the FIS Alpine Skiing Competition in Montenegro. She was only 2 seconds slower than second-placed Georgia Epiphaniou.

Aanchal first announced her presence in the international circuit in 2018 when she won the bronze at the FIS Alpine Edjer 3200 Cup in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Aanchal has a big task ahead as she requires a below 160 average score in five races to bag a Winter Olympics qualification.

The 25-year old skier has been aiming to compete in at least 20 FIS events before the deadline to earn the Olympic qualification that ends on January 15. However, she has competed in only eight such events and against some very tough opponents.