In the Indian Himalayas of Ladakh, nine girls aged 8–14 are chasing a dream few thought possible: becoming competitive figure skaters and representing Ladakh and India.

They come from small villages where ice skating happens on frozen ponds for only a few weeks each winter. Despite these challenges, and with extremely limited access to rinks and coaching, they have already won ten medals at the 2024 & 2025 Indian Figure Skating Nationals and earned silver and bronze at Khelo India 2026.

I have had the honor of coaching this figure skating team over the last 4 years in Ladakh. Starting from small village based camps I was running, I started to seek out the most passionate and eager girls in the area for further figure skating training. Over the past years their commitment to the sport has only grown as they seek out every chance to skate and improve their skills.

This May, they have a rare opportunity.

From May 2–10, India is hosting a national training camp in Dehradun led by Daniel Wende, an international coach and former Olympic figure skater. For these girls, this camp represents an opportunity to train full days on Olympic‑size ice, receive professional coaching, and raise their skating to a national and international level—without having to travel abroad, which is otherwise beyond their means. This camp will prepare them for the upcoming National Competition June 25-30, where the skaters will represent Ladakh.

Why your support matters

The funds raised will cover:

for nine skaters and one parent to attend the national training camp in Dehradun (May) and 2026 Indian Figure Skating Nationals (June). I will be traveling with the girls to attend this upcoming camp and competition as well.

This camp could be a turning point—not just for their skating, but for their confidence, future opportunities, and belief that girls from the Himalayas belong on the national and international stage. They skate because they love it, and because being on the ice gives them freedom, joy, and hope.

If you believe in the power of sports to open doors, please consider supporting these young athletes and helping them take this next step. Attached below are some stories and moments of these amazing young athletes captured over the last two years:

You can also see their progress and determination toward learning and development on my Instagram page @skatinginhimalayas . You can support them either directly through this fundraiser or by helping spread the word within your community.