The 2018 Winter Olympics are all set to begin in PyeongChang, South Korea with much pomp and fervor, not that you would have been realizing the same in India though, with the winter sports still a relatively alien concept in the country.
This time around too, India will not be represented highly at the Games owing largely to an inadequate competition level and not enough well-trained athletes ready to be picked for the Games.
Two individuals have, however, qualified for the Olympics and the honour belongs to veteran "Luge" athlete Shiva Keshavan, along with cross-country skier Jagdish Singh. The duo will be representing the tri-colour at the prestigious event with Jagdish Singh qualifying for the very first time at the age of 26. His compatriot Keshavan will be appearing in the competition for the sixth time and at 36 years of age, is India's most decorated Winter Olympian.
Keshavan is the reigning Asian Champion in Luge and will be looking to better his best performance of 25th at the 2006 Winter Games. On the other hand, Jagdish Singh has only just been confirmed as a second Indian participant at the Games following confusion over his choice of coach for the event. The cross-country skier is currently a member of the Indian Army and his employers have finally given the all-clear amid some rising tension over choice of coach.
India's campaign at the Winter Olympics begins in a short couple of days and the schedule for the event is as follows:
Indian Contingent Schedule, Winter Olympics 2018:
Opening Ceremony: 5.30 pm IST, February 9.
Luge
Event: 1st Run, Men's Singles
Date: 10th February 2018
Time: 15.40 PM IST
Run 2 will follow soon after
Event: 3rd Run, Men's Singles
Date: 11th February 2018
Time: 16.30 PM IST
Freestyle Cross-Country Skiing
Event: Men's Singles
Date: 16th February 2018
Time: 11.30 AM IST