New Delhi: Resident of Barua, a small village in Manali, Aanchal Thakur on Tuesday created history by becoming India's first ever medallist in an international skiing event when she won a bronze medal at the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup organised by the Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) in Turkey.
Learning skiing from her father and later getting expert guidance and training from Olympian Heera Lala, the 21-year-old Aanchal finally had her day in the sun winning the medal in the slalom category.
"Finally something unexpected happened. My first ever international medal. Federation International Ski Race (FIS). At the end turkey served me well," she wrote in her Twitter post soon after.
Finally something unexpected happened. My first ever international medal. Federation International Ski Race (FIS). At the end turkey served me well.
PC- @alwyncreed #strangethingshappen #skiteamindia #onehimachal #himalayangirls pic.twitter.com/pjkSddCpi5— Aanchal Thakur (@alleaanchal) January 9, 2018
The congratulatory messages then started pouring in, starting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"Well done @alleaanchal for winning an international medal in skiing! The entire nation is ecstatic on your historic accomplishment at the FIS International Skiing Competition in Turkey. Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours," the PM tweeted.
Well done @alleaanchal for winning an international medal in skiing! The entire nation is ecstatic on your historic accomplishment at the FIS International Skiing Competition in Turkey. Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2018
Then it was the turn of Sports Minister and Olympic medal-winning shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
"Congrats Aanchal Thakur @alleaanchal for the Slalom Skiing Bronze in the FIS International Skiing Competition in Turkey," Rathore said in his tweet
Congrats Aanchal Thakur @alleaanchal for the Slalom Skiing Bronze in the FIS International Skiing Competition in Turkey.
India opens account by a first ever medal in skiing
Well done! @jairamthakurbjp pic.twitter.com/vhTReuJwyl
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 10, 2018
Aanchal's Twitter bio reflects her determination to do well for the country at the international stage, and this bronze medal could the beginning of that journey.
"Just want to wave India's Flag all over the world," the bio reads.
