In a significant step towards strengthening India’s presence in emerging winter sports, Dr. Rashmi Saluja, President of the Curling Federation of India (CFI), along with Mr. P. N. Raju, Chair of the Athletes Committee of CFI, represented India at the prestigious World Curling Open Meetings held in Geneva during April–May 2026.
The meetings, organised under the aegis of World Curling Federation, brought together global leaders, administrators, and athletes from across the curling fraternity. The platform served as a vital forum to deliberate on the sport’s future, governance frameworks, athlete development pathways, and opportunities for expanding curling into newer geographies.
During the course of the meetings, the Indian delegation also held meaningful and forward-looking engagements with senior officials of the World Curling Federation, including its President, Mr. Beau Welling, General Secretary Mr. Colin Grahamslaw, and CEO of Rock Solid Productions, Mr. Chad McMullan. These discussions focused on establishing both short-term and long-term strategic pathways for the development of curling in India. A shared understanding emerged on working closely and exclusively with the Curling Federation of India, under the leadership of President of CFI – Dr. Rashmi Saluja, to advance the sport across the country. The dialogue encompassed the promotion of both ice curling and floor curling in all formats, alongside the structured development of leagues and competitions at district, school, state, national, and international levels—thereby laying a comprehensive foundation for the sport’s sustained growth in India.
Dr. Rashmi Saluja (India) had meaningful engagements with fellow presidents—Lenka Kölliker (Switzerland), Beau Welling (World Curling), Karolina Fredericksen (Czechia), Michael Marklund (Sweden), and Teri Palynchuk (Canada)—strengthening collaboration, advancing shared vision, and fostering global partnerships for curling’s development.
Presidents in attendance (from L to R): Dr Rashmi Saluja (India), Lenka Kölliker (Switzerland), Beau Welling (World Curling), Karolina Fredericksen (Czechia), Michael Marklund (Sweden), Teri Palynchuk (Canada)
Dr. Saluja’s presence at the meetings underscored India’s growing commitment to the sport and its intent to actively participate in shaping its global trajectory. Reflecting on the engagement, she shared that it was both encouraging and constructive to connect with international stakeholders who share a common vision of developing curling in India in a meaningful and sustainable manner.
Mr. Raju’s participation, representing the athletes’ perspective, further added depth to India’s engagement, ensuring that grassroots realities and athlete-centric approaches remain central to future planning and collaborations.
The interactions in Geneva are widely regarded as a promising beginning for Indian curling. With focused leadership, international collaboration, and a shared vision, the future of curling in India appears optimistic. The engagement is expected to pave the way for enhanced institutional partnerships, capacity building, and increased visibility of the sport within the country.
This participation marks not merely attendance at a global forum, but the commencement of a broader journey—one that positions India to emerge as a credible and competitive contributor to the international curling ecosystem.
