A soldier on the skis

JAGDISH RAWAT, 26 Skier, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

BECAUSE

A cross-country skier, this armyman represented India in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

SECRET OF MY SUCCESS

It is my unadulterated hard work. I run 10 km every day and exercise in the gym on the days the weather is not conducive for running. My innate desire to win drives me to pursue excellence. I also feel hugely motivated by fans who cheer me from the sidelines. My coaches’ guidance and trust in my ability also inspire me.

MY GOAL NEXT

I want to take part in the 2022 Winter Olympics and win laurels for my country. I am also planning to participate in the ski sprinting this time.

Over the years, I have become more confident in skis and feel I have acquired good speed.

MY ROLE MODEL

My role model is Akshay Kumar. I love his movies and am in awe of the stunts he performs. I have also tried to recreate some of the stunts done by him. He has amazing flexibility.

BY THE WAY

I enjoy playing cricket. Whenver I get a chance, I play a game. I am also an incorrigible tea lover. No cup of tea is too large for me! No matter where I go, I make sure that I get my cup.

SECOND OPINION

Competing in the winter Olympics, that too for a country like India, is not a small achievement.

There are hardly any facilities for skiing in the country but Jagdish has proven that with hardwork and determination we can bypass any obstacles. He is the flag bearer of the country’s winter sports and we expect him to take winter sports forward. –Nadeem Iqbal, he represented India at the Sochi winter Olympics