Special Olympics Bharat proudly showcased India’s talent at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, held in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15, 2025. The 49-member Indian contingent, comprising athletes, coaches, and support staff, competed with passion and determination on the global stage. Indian athletes participated in an impressive range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and floorball, demonstrating skill and resilience. Leading this dedicated team, Parikshat Mehdudia, Area Director of Special Olympics Bharat Himachal Pradesh State Chapter, was appointed as the Head of Delegation, overseeing India’s participation and ensuring the contingent’s success.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Parikshat Mehdudia provides a detailed analysis of India’s performance at the Games. He highlights the gold-medal-winning events, elaborates on the Indian government’s support, and explains his role in managing the contingent. Additionally, he offers insights into the scale of the competition, discussing the number of participating nations and athletes.
Here are the key takeaways from his engaging conversation.
Q: How did Team India perform at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy? Could you highlight key achievements, standout athletes, and overall medal tally?
A: Our journey to Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. Our incredible athletes delivered a stellar performance, bringing home 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze medals—making the nation proud.
Turin’s extreme cold added to the challenge. With temperatures hovering around 7–8 degrees Celsius and relentless snowfall, the conditions were tough. Yet, our special athletes rose to the occasion, defying the elements with unwavering determination. Their resilience and skill turned adversity into triumph, proving that no challenge is too great when met with passion and perseverance.
Q: In which sports did India secure gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025?
A: Our athletes clinched gold in snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, excelling against formidable competition. The games featured athletes from across the world, including those from nations where snowfall lasts six months, giving them an extended window for training.
In contrast, our athletes face a stark disadvantage. With snowfall limited to Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, they get barely a week or ten days of practice each year. We did our best to support their training, yet they competed against rivals who had the luxury of six to eight months of preparation. Despite these challenges, they delivered an outstanding performance, proving that dedication and perseverance can overcome any limitation.
Q: How do you assess the support provided by the Indian government?
A: I personally extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for their unwavering support. They provided our athletes with the right equipment and specialized clothing to withstand the extreme cold. This crucial assistance played a key role in their exceptional performance, enabling them to compete at their best despite harsh conditions.
Q: What was your specific role and responsibilities for the Indian contingent at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025?
A: As the Head of the Delegation for the Indian contingent, I had the privilege of overseeing our athletes across multiple venues. The competitions unfolded across three distinct locations, each hosting different sports.
Turin served as the stage for floorball and skating, while Sestriere hosted snowshoeing. Pragelato witnessed thrilling cross-country skiing events. Meanwhile, Bardonecchia, located 150–200 km from Turin, became the battleground for snowboarding. Despite the geographical spread, our athletes showcased unwavering determination, delivering outstanding performances across all disciplines.
Q: How many countries participated in the event, and what was India’s overall ranking?
A: The event brought together 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, each competing at the highest level. Unlike other competitions, the Special Olympics does not rank nations based on medal counts. However, if a ranking system existed, India would have secured a strong position. Our athletes delivered remarkable performances, proving their skill, determination, and resilience on the global stage.
