Making skating an interesting sport for city kids

During his visit to the city, we caught up with the champion to talk about the benefits of the sport and why people should take skating seriously.

“I want people to take skating seriously — more than just a recreational activity, they should consider it as a sport. If each state provides a couple of athletes to the country, it would bring in a lot of difference,” he says.

Nikhilesh will be holding a speed skating abrasive training camp for children. Talking about its benefits, the national champion says, “Speed skating improves muscle strength, balance, and coordination and helps in developing a great mind-body balance. It also increases your stamina and energy and maintains fitness.  

Unlike other sports, skating doesn’t have any impact on the knees. Moreover, the sport brings out your inner fighting spirit and teaches you to get up and fight again whenever you fall. All these factors are related to real life as well.”  He is all praise for the indoor skating facilities provided at the Nehru Stadium. “I’ve been travelling across the country with an aim to promote skating among all sections of people and find potential skaters. We need to create more awareness on this sport. I’ve been organising training camps in many parts of the country, so that children will get a chance to know about the sport. So far, the reception has been amazing. It’s my dream to send athletes for national and international championships — not mere participation, I want them to win gold medals as well,” he smiles.

Nikhilesh has travelled to many countries to keep himself updated with new skating techniques.

“Colombia is the hub for roller skaters and the place has got state-of-the-art technology in the sport. I want to bring in their techniques to India. The selection of spins, jumps, and steps differs from country to country. It took me 10 years to lower my timing from 28 seconds to 24 seconds in 300 metres. I don’t want this to happen with the young skaters. That’s why I am introducing the updated techniques to the children — this would be beneficial for them while participating in international matches,” he remarks. The current fastest skater of India holds the national record in 300 metres (24.90 secs) and in 200 metres (16.85 secs) and is the only Indian skater to reach this bracket.