India has made a positive start to its campaign at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter 2025, bagging four medals including two gold and as many silver on the first day at Turin in Italy.
Samir Yadav and Bharti grabbed a gold medal each in the Snowboarding (Novice Gaint Slalom) final at Bardonecchia while Hem Chand and Harshita Thakur took home a silver each in their respective divisions at the same event. A 49-member contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff, is representing India at the tournament.
While Bharti and Sameer grabbed a gold medal each, Hem Chand and Harshita Thakur took home silver medals in their respective divisions of the Novice Giant Slalom Final.
The event promises to bring together around 1500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 102 countries to participate in eight sports, aiming to promote inclusivity and representation in the sporting world.
With eight sports spread across four venues, speed skating and floorball will take place in Turin while snowshoeing and alpine skiing will be organised in Sestriere. Snowboarding and cross-country skiing is being held in Bardonecchia and Pragelato respectively.