Winter Sports
FIS grants official recognition to Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Federation
BSSA is India’s new national winter sports federation for Snow Sports as FIS disaffiliates Ski Snowboard India.
Alpine skier Arif Khan during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) approved recognition of the Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association (BSSA) as the official national federation for skiing and snowboarding in India during its 57th Congress held in Belgrade, Serbia, on Thursday.
FIS granted full membership to BSSA while disaffiliating the former member federation Ski Snowboard India (SSI).
The decision officially ends years of uncertainty surrounding the governance of skiing and snowboarding in India.
During the Congress, FIS President Johan Eliasch raised the issue of India's ski federation and sought the approval of member nations regarding the affiliation of a new governing body.
Eliasch explained that the Indian ski federation had remained in a state of uncertainty for nearly four years following legal disputes and court decisions in India.
He noted that the situation had not been recognized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and that discussions with the IOA had led to the recommendation that a new federation be established and admitted to FIS membership. No objections were raised by any delegation, the proposal was unanimously approved by the Congress.
India's Winter Olympian Arif Khan welcomed the decision, describing it as a much-needed step toward resolving the long-standing issue. He said the move would significantly benefit winter sports in India.
“The confirmation of affiliation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to the Bharatiya Ski and Snowboard Federation marks a historic victory for India's winter states, athletes, and the entire winter sports community," Khan said.
"This recognition paves the way for greater opportunities, stronger international participation, and structured development of winter sports across the country. Under this new framework, skiing and snowboarding in India will grow bigger, broader, and more inclusive, empowering athletes to compete at the highest levels while unlocking the immense potential of our winter destinations,” he added.