Sultan Shoaib
Gilgit, Feb 12 (APP):Coming from a remote mountain village and reaching the world’s biggest winter sports event is not easy.
Muhammad Karim, who belongs to Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan and is Pakistan’s leading alpine skier, has done it through hard work and patience.
Today, he stands as a symbol of hope for young athletes across the country. Muhammad Karim is making history by qualifying for the Winter Olympics for the fourth consecutive time. He is the only Pakistani athlete to achieve this honour in winter sports. He will represent Pakistan at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan Cortina, Italy. For a country where winter sports receive little attention, this achievement is very important.
Born on May 1, 1995, Muhammad Karim first appeared at the Winter Olympics in 2014. At that time, he was still a teenager. Since then, he has represented Pakistan at every Winter Olympics. He competed in Sochi in 2014, PyeongChang in 2018, and Beijing in 2022. Now he is preparing for his fourth appearance in Italy in 2026. No other Pakistani athlete has maintained such consistency at the Olympic level.
Talking to APP Muhammad Karim recalled his early days with humility, adding that he learned skiing as a child on simple, homemade skis in Naltar. He never imagined that one day he would compete at the Olympics. Reaching the Games four times, he said, feels like a dream. According to him, this success does not belong to him alone but to the whole nation.
Muhammad Karim earned his place at the 2026 Winter Olympics through tough international competitions. He took part in Slalom and Giant Slalom races, and later he competed in more qualifying events in Turkey between December 2025 and January 2026. By earning the required points under the rules of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, he secured Pakistan’s qualification. The final quota list issued in January 2026 confirmed Pakistan’s participation.
Talking about the challenges, Muhammad Karim said that athletes from developed countries enjoy better facilities and longer training seasons. Limited training and funding opportunities often pose a challenge. Despite this, he believes that strong determination can overcome many obstacles.
Muhammad Karim grew up in the snowy mountains of Naltar, where resources were scarce. His natural talent was noticed early. In 2006 with the support of the Pakistan Air Force, he was sent to Japan and Austria for professional training. This exposure played a key role in shaping his international career. His first major international appearance came in 2011 at the South Asian Winter Games.
Over the years, Muhammad Karim has competed in 53 international events. He has won 11 international medals, including five gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. At the national level, he has secured 28 gold medals. These achievements make him Pakistan’s most successful athlete in winter sports.
Senior journalist Abdul Rahman Bukhari, associated with winter sports in Pakistan, praised Karim’s achievements. He said Muhammad Karim is a rare talent who has represented Pakistan with consistency and dignity on the global stage. He said qualifying for four Olympics without a strong sports infrastructure is a remarkable achievement. He added that Karim’s journey highlights the need to invest more in winter sports in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Muhammad Karim’s success has deeply influenced young athletes in his hometown. Many children in Naltar now dream of becoming professional skiers. Muhammad Jamil, a 17-year-old aspiring skier from the area, said that watching Muhammad Karim train in their valley gives them confidence. He believes that Karim’s success proves that even children from remote areas can reach the world stage.
Muhammad Karim feels proud to inspire the younger generation. He said that if his journey gives hope to young boys and girls in the mountains, then all his struggles are meaningful.
Pakistan has yet to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. However, Muhammad Karim’s continuous presence at the Games has brought international recognition to the country’s winter sports potential. His fourth Olympic appearance is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Pakistan.
As he prepares for the icy slopes of Milan Cortina in 2026, Muhammad Karim will once again carry Pakistan’s flag with pride. His journey shows that with dedication and belief, even the highest mountains can be conquered.