India at the 2006 Winter Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association was recognized by the International Olympic Committee on 31 December 1926.^[1] However, by this time, they had already competed in three Summer Olympic Games, in 1900, 1920, and 1924.^[2] India has participated in every Summer Olympics since 1920.^[2] The nation did not make its first Winter Olympics appearance until the 1964 Winter Olympics.^[2] With India missing the Winter Olympics from 1972 to 1984 and in 1994, Turin marked India's seventh appearance at a Winter Olympics.^[2] The 2006 Winter Olympics were held from 10–26 February; a total of 2,508 athletes representing 80 National Olympic Committees took part.^[3] The Indian delegation to Turin consisted of four athletes, two in alpine skiing, one in cross-country skiing, and one in luge.^[4] Alpine skier Neha Ahuja was the flag bearer for both the opening ceremony^[5] and the closing ceremony.^[6]

Neha Ahuja was 24 years old at the time of these Olympics, and was making her Olympic debut.^[7] On 22 February, she competed in the women's slalom, finishing her first run in 55.45 seconds,^[8] and her second in 1 minute and 0.71 seconds.^[9] Her combined time was 1 minute and 56.16 seconds, placing her last among the 51 competitors who finished both legs of the race; the gold medal was won by Sweden's Anja Pärson in 1 minute and 29.04 seconds; the silver was taken by Austrian Nicole Hosp and the bronze by her fellow Austrian Marlies Schild.^[10] On 24 February, Ahuja took part in the women's giant slalom, finishing her first run in 1 minute and 15.59 seconds^[11] and her second in 1 minutes and 25.72 seconds.^[12] Her total time was 2 minutes and 41.31 seconds, putting her in 42nd place out of 43 classified finishers.^[13] The gold medal was won by Julia Mancuso of the United States in 2 minutes and 9.19 seconds; the silver by Tanja Poutiainen of Finland, and the bronze was won by Swede Anna Ottosson.^[13]

Hira Lal was 25 years old at the time of the Turin Olympics, and was also making his Olympic debut.^[14] He competed in the men's giant slalom on 20 February, but did not finish the first run.^[15] The gold medal in this race was won by Benjamin Raich of Austria, the silver was taken by Joël Chenal of France, and the bronze was won by a second Austrian, Hermann Maier.^[16]