Gurgaon: For a sport that remains monetarily out of succeed in of many, a greater than 150 % increase in participation from one Nationals to the following speaks volumes of skating's rising acceptance.
The 14th version of the National Speed Skating Championship concluded at the town's iSKATE rink, and for the primary time the Ice Skating Association of India introduced money prizes for the skaters, giving kids sufficient incentive to take up the game.
"All kids coming up are very enthusiastic, they're performing so well on ice," shared Dr Varsha S Puranik, winner of the second Vasudha Trophy for women speed skaters.
The 30-year-old pocketed Rs. 50,000 after winning gold in the senior ladies' category (over-19s). In her maiden nationwide championship on ice, back in 2005, Varsha received bronze. This was the fourth time at the event for the Mysore resident, her self assurance rising with every time out.
Like most who take to the ice, Varsha was already professional on roller skates. While the transfer from one to the other is moderately simple, the tactics diverge. "They're two different languages," claims nationwide coach Avadhut Tawade. According to Col S C Narang (Retd) - director, Ice Skating Association of India - it's like adjusting from a cycle to a scooter. If you have got skated on rollers, he says, you've got the balance to skate on ice.
"You just have to get used to the ice," explains Varsha, who has represented India at the Asian and World levels in roller skating, winning bronze in Asia in 2001, when she was in her early teenagers.
Ultimately, speed and determine skaters want ice time. "If Thailand and Malaysia can afford to build rinks, then surely India can too," believes this lab drugs specialist, who is an MD in microbiology. Still, when she's not on ice (which is for a lot of the yr), Varsha stays in rhythm by practicing on roller skates.
Her ideas now turn to the Asian Games, to be hosted by the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang in August-September. A successful appearing on roller skates right here, and the ice beckons. "If I win gold, I will then shift to short-track speed skating on ice."
India's include of skating may also be credited to the willpower of mentors like Ok Srikantha Rao, coach to Varsha, and Tawade. In 2005, the latter changed into India's first international short-track speed skater.
"Olympic coaches counseled that I should share my knowledge. They advised me to develop the sport here, and try to make it flourish," he informed TOI.
Currently, India has just about 50 speed and determine skaters of international enjoy. With regular exposure, medals will follow. And if the Nationals are any indication, skaters from Karnataka (seven golds) and Maharashtra (five golds) are likely to lead the Indian charge. Sooner rather than later.
The 14th version of the National Speed Skating Championship concluded at the town's iSKATE rink, and for the primary time the Ice Skating Association of India introduced money prizes for the skaters, giving kids sufficient incentive to take up the game.
"All kids coming up are very enthusiastic, they're performing so well on ice," shared Dr Varsha S Puranik, winner of the second Vasudha Trophy for women speed skaters.
The 30-year-old pocketed Rs. 50,000 after winning gold in the senior ladies' category (over-19s). In her maiden nationwide championship on ice, back in 2005, Varsha received bronze. This was the fourth time at the event for the Mysore resident, her self assurance rising with every time out.
Like most who take to the ice, Varsha was already professional on roller skates. While the transfer from one to the other is moderately simple, the tactics diverge. "They're two different languages," claims nationwide coach Avadhut Tawade. According to Col S C Narang (Retd) - director, Ice Skating Association of India - it's like adjusting from a cycle to a scooter. If you have got skated on rollers, he says, you've got the balance to skate on ice.
"You just have to get used to the ice," explains Varsha, who has represented India at the Asian and World levels in roller skating, winning bronze in Asia in 2001, when she was in her early teenagers.
Ultimately, speed and determine skaters want ice time. "If Thailand and Malaysia can afford to build rinks, then surely India can too," believes this lab drugs specialist, who is an MD in microbiology. Still, when she's not on ice (which is for a lot of the yr), Varsha stays in rhythm by practicing on roller skates.
Her ideas now turn to the Asian Games, to be hosted by the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang in August-September. A successful appearing on roller skates right here, and the ice beckons. "If I win gold, I will then shift to short-track speed skating on ice."
India's include of skating may also be credited to the willpower of mentors like Ok Srikantha Rao, coach to Varsha, and Tawade. In 2005, the latter changed into India's first international short-track speed skater.
"Olympic coaches counseled that I should share my knowledge. They advised me to develop the sport here, and try to make it flourish," he informed TOI.
Currently, India has just about 50 speed and determine skaters of international enjoy. With regular exposure, medals will follow. And if the Nationals are any indication, skaters from Karnataka (seven golds) and Maharashtra (five golds) are likely to lead the Indian charge. Sooner rather than later.
Mysore woman toast of the rink at skating nationals
![Mysore woman toast of the rink at skating nationals]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
January 04, 2018
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