Skier Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, a native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, won three gold medals in the 10-km Nordic ski competition, 1.6-km sprint and 5-km sprint events at the Khelo India Winter Games, which culminated yesterday.

Speaking to the media persons, Bhavani said, “It’s all about pursuing your passion. We have no snow in Karnataka. I have to work harder than those who compete from the Himalayan States.”

Bhavani is the daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu in Kodagu. While studying at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bhavani joined NCC which paved way to groom her interest in adventure activities.

The fourth edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2024 was held at Leh & Gulmarg. The 1st Chapter of winter                                             games 2024 — Ice Hockey & Ice Skating — was held at Leh and the second leg winter games 2024 involving Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboard and Nordic Skiing was held at Gulmarg from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25.

Having attended many NCC camps at school and college, Bhavani had participated in the Republic Day Parade in Delhi in 2016. 

She was trained in mountaineering at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali and Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. She underwent skiing training in Gulmarg, Kashmir and further in New Zealand.