A young achiever of Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar, has once again proved its sporting excellence and brought laurels to the school at the district level. Dilraj Kumar, a Class IX student, displayed remarkable talent at the Open District-level Skating Tournament 2025–2026. He clinched two medals — Gold in the 500 m race and Silver in the 1000 m race. This performance has also earned him a proud selection for the State-level Skating Tournaments 2025–2026.
In a candid interview, he talks about the challenges he faced, among other things.
Do you have any hobbies outside of skating?
Outside of skating, I enjoy playing football in my free time. My studies also keep me busy. After Class X, I plan to take up the non-medical stream and pursue engineering.
Tell us about the Open District Level Skating Tournament.
This tournament is held every year, and I have been competing in it for the last several years. I also play at the national level. I was confident about winning Gold this time, though I lost out on one because of a lack of practice.
What does your practice routine look like?
I practice twice a day, morning and evening. Usually, I cover a set distance in a given time, like 1000 metres within specific seconds. Apart from on-skate training, I also do off-skate exercises on a balance board to maintain leg strength.
What kind of skates or rollers should a learner use?
In the beginning, learners can use toy skates. But for serious practice, professional skates are necessary. I use Tesla Bonds, an SR company product, which are designed for competitive skating. The wheels also vary — different ones are needed for roads, rinks, or tracks.
How did you get into skating, and what challenges did you face initially?
I was inspired by my brother and felt I wanted to compete seriously. In the beginning, the biggest fear is falling, and many give up because of that. Therefore, proper gear is important.
How supportive are your school and parents in your journey?
My school and teachers encourage me a lot, and we’ve recently started getting training within the school. My father especially supports me and helps during practice.
What changes has skating brought?
Skating has taught me discipline and consistency. It has become a routine part of my life. More than anything, I’ve learnt that if you fall, you must get up and continue; otherwise, you will be left behind.