Gujarat Skaters Shine at National Ice Skating Championships with Impressive Medal Haul
Gujarat's Young Skaters Achieve Success
A talented group of 23 young skaters from Gujarat has returned from the 21st National Ice Skating Championships, which took place in Dehradun from June 25 to June 30, 2026. The team secured a total of six medals, comprising two gold, one silver, and three bronze, earning the state a commendable seventh place in the national rankings for short track speed skating.
Highlights of the Competition
Yuvraj Mehta stood out as the top performer, clinching gold medals in both the 333m and 222m events in the Junior F Boys category, thus becoming a double national champion. In the Junior C Girls category, Kavya Patel contributed significantly with one silver and two bronze medals, while Mahi Solanki added another bronze to the tally.
Future Prospects and Squad Development
Beyond the medals, the squad's performance was marked by 48 personal best times achieved over the six-day event, averaging more than two personal records per skater. Many athletes participated in a national final for the first time, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
Following their achievements, these skaters have been invited to participate in the Indian team selection trials for the upcoming Asian Trophy, set to occur in August. The team will take a brief recovery period before resuming their training in preparation for these trials.
Insights from the Coach
The skaters are guided by Vishwaraj Jadeja, an international medallist and 65-time Indian national record holder in ice speed skating, who leads an international mentorship program. He expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "While six medals are a great achievement, the 48 personal bests indicate that our squad's depth is improving, which is crucial for Gujarat's competitiveness in the future. I also want to commend Amitabh Sharma, President of the Ice Skating Association of India, for his unwavering support and vision that are vital for nurturing young talent in the sport. Our focus now shifts to the upcoming Indian team selection trials."