Student Achiever: ‘Skating taught me the importance of keeping balance in life’

She wants to clinch fame and name in the skating arena on international soil next.  Meet Mishti Saini of class IV at Apeejay School, Model Town who has been awarded at the District Roller Skating Championship 2024 (Under-11 category). This progeny has now qualified for State Championships 2024 to be held in September.  

Tell us about your recent achievements in skating.

I have seized the spotlight by clinching two Silver medals in the fiercely competitive Under-11 category at the District Skating Championship 2024. With my exceptional prowess on my wheels, I have earned a well-deserved ticket to the upcoming State Championship.

Why did you choose this sport?

Being adventurous I always take delight in thrilling activities like horse riding, cycling, and badminton but I would like to say that skating thrills me the most. I have been actively involved with this activity since COVID-19 times. I feel so good when I go skating.

Who is your inspiration behind learning this sport? 

I have been truly blessed to have a perfect mentor in my house that’s is my doting brother whose passion has always been to zoom around on the skating wheels thereby he never misses any opportunity to actively participate in almost all sporting events be it cyclothon, swimming, and badminton. I always want to follow in his footsteps.

Who is your favourite skater?

Dhanush Babu is an Indian speed skater. He was the first Indian to secure an international roller skating medal for India. I also want to win a medal like him for India.

Tell us about your training regime. 

My training regime is quite intense! I practice for at least three hours a day. One hour in the morning at school and another two hours at the academy. I am permanently attached to my skates throughout the day.

What is the most challenging part of skating?

I would like to state affirmatively that initially, I faced numerous hurdles to maintain perfect balance. Bit by bit, with my sheer dedication, determination and devotion I have been able to overcome it.

How did your school support your journey? 

Like always the most devoted and dedicated faculty of Apeejay School, Model Town leaves no stone unturned to bring out the best version of every student and I take pride in stating that I have received training under the best coach which is only possible because of my school.

Would you like to pursue skating professionally? 

Yes, I would love to represent India in this sport. Meanwhile, I have also started shooting and I am an avid artist too. I also love to write poems so I am quite relaxed as I have got plenty of talents to fall back on.