Need better skiing infrastructure in country: Medallist Aanchal Thakur

Having etched her name in history books by winning the first-ever medal for India in a skiing competition, skier Aanchal Thakur on Saturday said the country needed better infrastructure in skiing to win in international competitions.

"The skiing resort in Manali is not as equipped as it should be. I want the government to support us to help raise the infrastructure to international standards,' she said after receiving a rousing welcome at the Kullu-Manali Airport.

Attributing her victory to her parents, Thakur said she has worked extremely hard since childhood and was very happy to win the first-ever medal for India.

She also encouraged the youth to pursue sports as a profession.

"The youth should follow their heart and live up to their passion," she added.

Earlier today, a large contingent of officials and mediapersons was present at the airport to receive the young skier who made the country proud by clinching the bronze medal in the Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup at the Palandoken Ski Centre at Erzurum in Turkey.

The event was organised by the Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS), the skiing's international governing body.

The 21-year-old Manali-born girl sealed the medal in the slalom race category.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken to his official Twitter account to laud Thakur for her "historic accomplishment".

Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government had announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for Thakur.