Athletes worldwide have transitioned from non-winter sports and succeeded at Winter Olympics- India can do the same, says Shiva Keshavan

India’s six-time Winter Olympian, Shiva Keshavan, believes the country can excel in winter sports with innovative strategies and proper infrastructure. The youngest-ever Olympian in luge, debuting at 16 at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Keshavan feels athletes from summer sports could transition to winter disciplines, such as field hockey players to ice hockey and roller skaters to ice skating. “Sports today are very different from a century ago, with various ways to train and develop specific muscle groups,“ the 43-year-old told PTI at the jersey and Trophy unveiling of the upcoming Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League. READ | France judo star Teddy Riner set to return to action after Paris Olympics heroics “For instance, a field hockey player can switch to ice hockey, a roller skater to ice skating, and a long-distance runner to cross-country skiing. “Taking a sledge and going down a slope is a fancy of every child, and I kept on pursuing that passion, I am lucky that I was able to live this life.“ He further said winter sports in India are progressing well with initiatives like the Khelo India Winter Games, which aim to create world-class facilities and add new sports.