Winter Olympics 2026: Arif Khan makes history with India’s best slalom finish

The Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed a historic day for India as alpine skier Arif Mohammad Khan delivered the nation’s best-ever performance in Olympic slalom history. Competing against the world’s elite, Arif finished 39th in the men’s slalom , completing both runs with a combined time of 2:41.60 . His impressive second-run improvement from 44th to 39th placed him ahead of many seasoned athletes and marked a milestone for India in winter sports. The 35-year-old, who also led the Indian contingent as flag-bearer during the Opening Ceremony, has set a new benchmark and inspired hope for the country’s future in snow sports.

The day’s competitions across Italy’s alpine venues were equally gripping. Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard clinched gold in the men’s slalom, while Austria’s Fabio Gstrein and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen took silver and bronze, respectively. On the ice, the women’s ice hockey semifinals saw Team USA defeat Sweden 5‑0 , securing a place in the gold-medal match and keeping the title race alive. Meanwhile, Xandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands added another crown in women’s 1000 m short-track speed skating, further cementing Dutch dominance in the sport.

Curling, freeski big-air qualifiers, figure skating, bobsleigh, and snowboard slopestyle provided thrilling spectacles throughout the day. Fans were treated to intense matches, high-flying tricks, and narrow victories, showcasing the depth and excitement of the Winter Olympics. However, the day was not without its scares, as Finnish skier Elias Lajunen suffered a frightening crash during big-air qualifications . Fortunately, he regained consciousness before being transported for medical care, highlighting the extreme risks these athletes take for Olympic glory.

As the Games move deeper into competition, Norway continues its strong medal pursuit, while athletes from across Europe, North America, and Asia battle fiercely for podium finishes. For India, however, Arif Khan’s performance is the defining story of the day. His historic finish in Milan‑Cortina is more than a personal achievement, it represents the growing presence and potential of Indian athletes in winter sports, offering inspiration and a vision for future generations to follow on icy slopes worldwide.