28.7 C
Delhi
Sunday, October 12, 2025

Historic gold for Inola of Finland at FISU Winter Universiade

Date:

Share post:

Donate-GC-Razorpay

Turin (Italy): Finland’s Inkki Inola etched his name into the FISU Games history on Wednesday, as para cross-country skiing made its debut at Torino 2025.

Competing in the cross-country skiing men’s 10km free technique event, Inola, guided by Reetu Inkila, triumphed the visually impaired category with a time of 22:51.4 in the alpine town of Pragelato near Turin.

“This was an incredible experience,” said the 25-year-old law student from the University of Eastern Finland.

“It’s the first time para athletes are competing alongside non-disabled athletes in the same event.

I hope this inspires not only athletes in Finland, but also para athletes around the world.”

Turin 2025 marked a milestone in the 76-year history of the global multi-sport event for university athletes, as it introduced para sports for the first time, including alpine and cross-country skiing.

In an unprecedented move, para and non-disabled athletes competed on the same course, creating an atmosphere of unity and inclusivity. Inola described his journey as one of perseverance and adaptation.

Born with a visual impairment that allows him to only see faces within two meters, he trains extensively in Finland, switching to roller skiing and cycling during the summer months.

“My father often follows me on a motorcycle to ensure my safety while I train on a bike,” Inola said with a smile.

After narrowly missing a medal at the Beijing Winter Paralympics, Inola has his sights set on Milano-Cortina 2026.

“This competition is an important step on my path to the Paralympics. It’s been a year-long preparation, and I’m glad it paid off.”

As the Winter Universiade in Turin continues, the inclusion of para sports underscores the event’s commitment to diversity and innovation.

“This is just the beginning,” Inola said. “I hope it leads to even more opportunities for para athletes worldwide.”

Related articles

The U.S. Corn Conspiracy Against India

There is no missile pointed at India’s borders in this war. The weapon is yellow, starchy, and traded...

Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize That Never Was

There are injustices in life that shake the very foundations of faith in humanity - a puppy not...

The Fallacy of Time: There Is Only Now

Time - humanity’s most loyal illusion. We wake up to its tick, work under its watch, and die...

Noor Wali Mehsud and Pakistan: From Ally to Adversary – A Tale of Betrayal, Blowback, and Lessons for India

The story of Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is Pakistan’s self-made tragedy. A...