IOA Athletes' Commission: Shiva Keshavan keen to bridge the gap between Winter Sports Athletes and Federations 

Shiva Keshavan, the lone representative for the winter sports in the newly formed IOA Athletes' Commission, is keen to bridge the gap between the athletes and their federation across disciplines.

The six-time Winter Olympian has been vocal about the need for better structuring for the athletes. And now his role at the IOA Athletes' Commission takes him one step closer to becoming the bridge between administration and the representing athletes. 

"In my case we have relevance because Winter Sports has been left out of the regulatory framework in India which is why it is difficult for our athletes to get any kind of support from the government. That is one of the key points. Now the government, IOA and federation will be able to work together," Keshavan told sportzpoint.

"The immediate agenda for IOA will be to extend the athletes participation for each and every national sports administration. This is something that we had tried before as well but this time we have more quality."

Indian winter sports athletes have faced a huge challenge as far as funding from their respective federation is concerned. 

India's fastest speed skater Vishwaraj Singh Jadeja who trains in the Netherlands and Indian roller skater Akash Aradhya had to take their family backing to train abroad. Aradhya, who was vying for qualification in the Beijing 2022, has already spent money which could fetch him a Lamborghini Urus in his last few years of training which was largely based in Canada. 

However, Keshavan, highlighted the reason behind their situation."Since we were excluded from the framework of sports governance in India, the athletes have never been able to access the requisite funding to compete at the elite level." 

"It's difficult to stick for a long time because you need the basics. After my retirement, I knew the main requirement is to understand the needs of athletes and to be able to consult the government. And to get feedback from the athletes at ground level".

The Khelo India Winter Games, which included multiple disciplines like Skiing, Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, Snow rugby, Ice stock sport, Snow baseball, Mountaineering, Snowshoe running, Ice hockey, Figure skating and Speed skating has encouraged the winter sports athletes to come forward. 

But, in Keshavan's appointment, lies the hopes for the future of the winter sports athletes.