Shiva Keshavan, a former professional luge player, holds the unique distinction of being India's first winter Olympian. The now 40-year-old can rightly be credited for putting India on the winter Olympics map, and can be hailed as an inspiration to others around the country who wish to represent India at the global level. Pictures Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Updated On: 2022-08-25 04:08 PM IST
Keshavan's first foray into the Olympic Games was at the Winter Olympics of 1998. He further went on to take part in 5 other Olympic Games. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Shiva took up the sport at the age of 15 after impressing others at a luge training camp. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
He became the youngest player ever to qualify for the luge event in 1998. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Keshavan's talent was so evident that he chose to turn down an offer to represent the Italian side in the sport of luge. He qualified for to represent them through his mother who is an Italian. However, Shiva chose to represent India. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Shiva's personal best speed in the sport of luge is 134.3 km/h, which was an Asian speed record. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Keshavan has won 4 gold medals at the Asian Championships. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
He has also won the Arjuna award making him the first Indian winter sports athlete to do so. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
Keshavan is married to Namita Agarwal and the couple have a daughter together. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shiva Keshavan
