Indian snowboarder Zubair Ahmad Lone has recently returned from a series of Alpine Snowboarding competitions in Europe, where he achieved remarkable success by securing a total of nine medals—seven silver and two bronze. Notably, in January 2025, Zubair made history by clinching India’s first-ever silver medal in the FIS Alpine Snowboard Race held in Serbia. Competing against 45 athletes from various countries, he narrowly missed the gold by just 0.83 seconds.

Hailing from Qazipora Tangmarg in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, Zubair’s journey in snowboarding began at the age of three when his father introduced him to skiing on the slopes of Gulmarg. Despite facing financial challenges and limited access to proper equipment, his passion for the sport remained undeterred. In 2014, he made a remarkable debut at the National Snowboarding Championship, earning silver and bronze medals. He continued to excel, securing gold medals in both Slalom and Giant Slalom at the National Championships in Manali in 2016, and clinching the top spot at the Khelo India Winter Games in 2021-22.

Zubair’s recent accomplishments in Europe have significantly boosted his confidence as he sets his sights on future competitions. He is currently focusing on qualifying for the World Championships in Switzerland in March and upcoming World Cup races in Europe. His dedication and success have not only brought pride to his hometown but have also inspired a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts in Kashmir and beyond.

We at Span Foundation are immensely proud to have supported Zubair Ahmad Lone throughout his journey, providing essential resources, training, and equipment. His dedication and perseverance exemplify the spirit of Indian winter sports. Zabarvan played a crucial role in his preparation, offering the physical fitness and mental training necessary to compete at international levels. Zubair himself emphasizes the need to nurture budding athletes and enhance infrastructure, including access to modern equipment and professional training facilities, particularly in regions like Gulmarg, to sustain and expand India’s snowboarding legacy.

As Zubair continues to train and compete, his story serves as a testament to perseverance and passion, highlighting the potential of Indian athletes on international platforms in winter sports, given the right opportunities and platforms.