Ladakh: Leh’s icy arenas have often tested the grit and mettle of India’s winter athletes — but on Day 2 of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, a 15-year-old from Telangana turned heads and carved her name into the national winter sports narrative once again.
At the NDS Stadium in Leh, Nayana Sri Talluri charged through the women’s 500 m short track speed skating final with astonishing poise, clocking 1:01.35 seconds to secure the first gold medal of this year’s Games. It wasn’t just a win — it marked her third consecutive gold at the Khelo India Winter Games since 2023.
“It’s been a hat-trick of golds for me since I won in Gulmarg in 2023. I feel super great about it,” Nayana told SAI Media, reflecting on her consistent climb at national level winter sport competitions.
Three Years, Three Golds — A Rare Feat
Nayana’s journey to this podium tells a story of steadfast determination and rising exposure:
2023 (Gulmarg) – First Khelo India gold
2024 – Two more golds at KIWG, plus a 3000 m women’s relay gold at the Asian Open Short Track in Jakarta
2025 (Leh) – First gold of the Games, now three-peat champion
Despite the intense cold and high altitude of Ladakh — conditions that test every athlete’s stamina and focus — Nayana stood unwavering at the finish line. Her triumph came in an open competition without age categories, highlighting her ability to compete beyond junior ranks.
Beyond the Medal: Performance and Promise
While many elite Indian skaters were training overseas ahead of the Asian Winter Games, Nayana’s performance reaffirmed that domestic platforms like the Khelo India Winter Games are fertile ground for upcoming winter sports talent.
Experts say this kind of consistency from a young athlete bodes well for India’s broader ambitions in winter disciplines — disciplines that have traditionally lagged behind summer sports in attention and infrastructure. Though still early in her career, Nayana’s rise is already inspiring budding skaters across colder regions and tropical states alike.
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