Jammu and Kashmir-based skier Arif Khan won the gold and bronze medals at the ongoing FIS International Ski Races at Ski Duba in the UAE.

Khan has achieved the feat in 51.98 seconds after three runs.  He finished the first run in 17.45 seconds, the second run in 17.43 seconds and the third run in 17.43 seconds, Rising Kashmir reported.

Khan said the international tournament was challenging for him given the type of slopes at FIS International Ski Races.

“This is a tournament held by International Skiing Federation. Like previous years, Indian team also got invitation to participate in it. The tournament was very challenging for me as there are short slopes of around 200 meters made of ice. It is a challenge for skier to go down through the hill. But I have made it in third and fourth attempt,” he said.

“First day I was out of the race and in the second race I made a place in the top 10. Third day I made a recovery and bagged a bronze medal. Finally, today when fourth race was held, Indian team stood a first position and won the first international gold medal,” he said.

He termed the victory as historic.

“The experience I gained in Dubai held me on third and fourth day. This win is historic. It will inspire our skiers to perform well in international platforms,” he was quoted as saying by The Rising Kashmir.