Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Gauri Rai Wins Gold at KIWG 2026
Gauri Rai, a 17-year-old from Haryana, won a gold medal in figure skating at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Leh.
She started with roller skating but switched to figure skating after watching an event at a mall.
Gauri wasn't very confident because she wasn't used to the high altitude, but her competitor had a fall, which helped her win.
Her parents were very happy and had a celebration.
She thanked the organizers for the great facilities and media coverage.
Gauri said India needs more ice rinks to produce better skaters.
She is now preparing for an international seminar to qualify for bigger competitions.
Gauri's journey was supported by her coach, family, and community, who encouraged her to continue despite challenges.
Gauri Rai won gold in advanced figure skating at KIWG 2026 in Leh.
She switched from roller skating to figure skating after watching an event in 2017.
Gauri was not confident due to the high altitude but won after her competitor fell.
Her parents celebrated her victory with a family video call.
She thanked the organizers for the world-class facilities and media coverage.
Gauri emphasized the need for more artificial ice surfaces in India to improve skating standards.
- Who
- Gauri Rai, a 17-year-old figure skater from Haryana
- What
- Won gold in advanced figure skating at KIWG 2026
- When
- January 22, 2024
- Where
- Leh’s Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium, Leh
- Why
- Competed in the first-ever figure skating event at KIWG
Gauri Rai's Perspective
Competitor's Perspective
Winning the Gold Medal
Gauri Rai's Perspective
Gauri Rai won the gold medal due to her competitor's fall, which she acknowledges was a stroke of luck.
Competitor's Perspective
The competitor, Jessy Raj Mathrapu, might have felt disappointed due to the fall that cost her the gold medal.
- Athlete
- Gauri Rai
- Age
- 17
- Event
- Khelo India Winter Games 2026
- Category
- Advanced Figure Skating
- Location
- Leh’s Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium
- Medal
- Gold
- Previous Achievement
- Silver in UAE Figure Skating Championship 2022
- School
- Manav Rachna International School, Gurugram
- Coach
- Abbas Nordak
- International Competitions
- South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Bulgaria
Sources
KIWG 2026 champion Gauri Rai urges better facilities to meet global norms
KIWG 2026: Figure skater Gauri seeks better infrastructure to meet international demands
Skarma Tsultin, Ladakh’s first international speed skater, nurtured by perseverance, belief and Khelo India
