My Skating Journey: From Local Rinks to International Medals

Being an athlete in a cricket-crazy nation like India is no joke. I’ve faced politics, family pressure, and the constant struggle for recognition, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. My journey isn't just about the 9th national championship gold or standing on an international podium; it’s about the grit required to get there. Whether it’s training in the heat of Bengaluru or learning the complex glide mechanics for international ice events, the lesson remains the same: you have to train like a machine.

I didn’t do this alone. My mentor K Srikantha Rao has been my pillar, like a father to me. And my wife Swathi, my half-shirt and backbone, keeps the academy running while I push on the tracks. We built Skaters World Skating Academy to pass on this same fire to our students, from the 3-year-olds finding their balance to the competitive skaters chasing their own medals. Skating is in our bones, and we’re here to make sure the next generation feels that pride too. Jai Hind!