Shimla, July 2,
Shimla’s young skaters have scripted a remarkable story of triumph against odds at the 20th National Ice Skating Championship held in Dehradun. Representing Himachal Pradesh, members of the Simla Ice Skating Club bagged seven out of the eight medals secured by the state—an extraordinary achievement for athletes who get to train only two months a year, limited by weather conditions and a lack of facilities.
The medal winners, all trained under the seasonal setup of the heritage Shimla rink, include Amyra Sood who won gold in the Starlet Girls category, Amay Sood who claimed bronze in the Starlet Boys, and a clean sweep in the Rising Star Girls category with Saviona Doger (gold), Vrinda Chaudhry (silver), and Vanshika Chaudhry (bronze). Paavany Kuthiala secured silver in the Pre-Juvenile Girls category, while Savani Doger brought home bronze in the Pre-Novice Girls category.
This stellar performance by Shimla skaters is even more significant considering the historical backdrop of the sport in the region. Ice skating in India took its first steps on the Shimla rink over a century ago, making it the birthplace of the sport in the country. Yet, over time, lack of modernization, minimal investment, and changing weather patterns have reduced the active season to a fraction of the year. Despite being a cradle of Indian ice skating, Shimla’s skaters today are left behind in terms of infrastructure and support.
The Simla Ice Skating Club has now issued a call to the Himachal Pradesh government to act decisively. It has appealed for the upgradation of the existing seasonal rink into an all-weather facility, so that the athletes can train round the year and take their talent beyond national borders. The recent medal haul is a testament to the grit and potential that exists in these young skaters, and also a wake-up call to preserve the legacy of India’s first ice rink before it fades further.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
References:
Blackjack fireworks https://sundaynews.info/