Meet Arif Khan, lone Indian athlete at Winter Olympics

Know more about skier Arif Khan who led a small four-strong Indian contingent during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing amid a diplomatic boycott of the event by the country.

Meet Arif Khan, lone Indian athlete at Winter Olympics

Skier Arif Khan led a small four-strong Indian contingent during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing amid a diplomatic boycott of the event by the country. Credit: AFP Photo

The 31-year-old Arif was the lone Indian competitor at the Games, having qualified in Slalom and Giant Slalom events. India sent a six-member contingent to the Games included a coach, a technician and a team manager. Credit: AFP Photo

Arif is the first Indian to secure qualification in two events of the same edition of the Games and his competitions are slated for February 13 and 16. Credit: AFP Photo

Born in Kashmir's Baramulla district, Arif took up skiing quite early in life, winning his first national slalom championship at the age of just 12. Credit: AFP Photo

Arif later went on to win two gold medals in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events of the South Asian Winter Games in 2011. Credit: Reuters Photo

Arif has also participated in both the editions of the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. Credit: Instagram/arifkhanskier

Arif's inspiration was his father Yasin Khan, who owns a ski equipment shop in Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Credit: Instagram/arifkhanskier