How a Ladakh Lover from the US Is Giving Back Through Figure Skating: Natalie Falsgraf’s Quiet Mission

Leh (Ladakh), Jan 23: For Natalie Falsgraf, Ladakh was never meant to be a one-time destination. What began as curiosity in 2018 soon turned into commitment - and eventually, a purpose.

A former senior-level figure skater from the United States, Natalie has become a familiar and much-loved presence in Leh-Ladakh, where she has been teaching local children figure skating purely out of passion, without seeking any financial gain.

Natalie recalls being drawn to Ladakh after hearing about its natural ice rinks, ice hockey culture and the community built around winter sports.

"I have been a figure skater for most of my life, and when I first heard about figure skating in India and ice skating happening in Ladakh-the natural rinks, people playing hockey,

building ice rinks-I really wanted to visit," she told SAI Media.

That visit in 2018 proved decisive. "When I came here, I really fell in love with the place. I fell in love with the skating culture and how passionate people were about learning to ice skate. Even in the smallest villages, you see frozen ponds and people trying skates in winter. That passion keeps bringing me back to Ladakh. "

Coaching from the Heart

Now a key member of the Ladakh Women Ice Hockey Foundation, Natalie has coached extensively in the US but says Ladakh offers something unique. Her work here is entirely voluntary-driven by what she calls her "love language".

During KIWG 2026, she has also helped demystify figure skating for new audiences, explaining the difference between novice and advanced categories.

"Figure skating is artistic throughout, but the big difference is the level of jumps. In novice, you'll see single and double jumps and basic spins. By advanced, you're seeing double and triple jumps, more complex spins and harder footwork. Internationally, you may even see quadruple jumps. "

Why Khelo India Matters

Natalie believes the inclusion of figure skating under the Khelo India banner is long overdue. "This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of figure skating across the country and help current skaters see a path forward. Sports like cricket and football naturally draw more kids-figure skating needs platforms like this. "

The results are already visible. Two of her trainees - Stanzin Khando and Tenzin Kunzin from the Zanskar region - finished among the medals in the novice category at KIWG 2026. "This gives skaters more development opportunities so they can continue to train, improve and represent India internationally. "

Talent, Infrastructure and the Road Ahead

Asked about India's talent pool, Natalie singled out Tara Prasad, currently representing India at the Four Continents Championship in Beijing. "She's competed internationally many times and is a great role model for younger skaters. "

Natalie is equally optimistic about infrastructure growth. The Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium now houses only the second artificial ice rink in India, after Dehradun.

"Artificial ice is crucial to practise year-round like global competitors. With rinks planned in Delhi and elsewhere, this is a huge step towards building India's figure skating presence in Asia and the world. "

'We Understood Each Other Through Skating': Stanzin Famo on Natalie's Impact

Natalie inspired young girls long before structured competitions came into the picture in the region. Stanzin Famo, one of the earliest skaters from Zanskar to train under Natalie, recalled how watching the American coach skate in her village became the turning point in her own journey.

In an interaction with myKhel, Stanzin said Natalie's demonstration on natural ice left a lasting impression. "I was inspired when I first saw Natalie ma'am skate in our village. Watching her perform made me feel that I also wanted to learn figure skating," 14-year-old Stanzin said.

She revealed that she was Natalie's first student from the Zanskar region, and despite the obvious challenges, the connection was immediate. "There was a language gap between us, but that never became a problem. We both understood each other because of our love for skating. "

Such words from youngsters highlights how Natalie's work in Ladakh has gone beyond coaching sessions or formal training camps. By travelling to remote villages, skating alongside locals, and connecting through the sport itself, Natalie has helped spark interest in figure skating among young girls who otherwise had little exposure to Olympic winter sports.