The Road Warrior: Apeejay’s Samarth Joshi skates to glory

In the realm of sports and competitive races, individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication and put in relentless hard work often stand out as exceptional talents. Such is the case with Samarth Joshi, a Senior Kindergarten student from Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, whose recent triumph in endurance skating has captured the attention and admiration of his peers and mentors alike.

The four-year-old bagged the first prize in one minute endurance speed skates and a second prize in twenty seconds endurance race held at Pune – sports city.  It was a joint competition between Indian and Sri Lankan players. At the event, Samarth proved that success is attainable with the right blend of passion, discipline, and hard work.

Remarkably, what got him started at skating was the Annual Appreciation Day of the school where he saw one of his schoolmates dancing with skates on the stage. Samarth says, “I saw him and wanted to do that. So, I started learning the sport.” Read an interview with him and his father, Mr Swapnil Joshi, a Cloud Architect. Together, the duo narrates the tale of success.

Unyielding Dedication

Samarth’s journey towards excelling in endurance skating began with his unwavering dedication to the sport. For months, he honed his physical and mental abilities, investing countless hours into training and preparing himself for the rigors of competitive skating. Whether it was waking up early in the morning for intense practices, pushing his limits during these sessions, or maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, Samarth consistently showcased his commitment to achieving greatness. Mr Joshi says, “Besides skating, my son plays Under-6 Football too. He has been at it for a few months now.” 

Meticulous Training Regimen

To thrive in endurance skating, a well-rounded training regimen is crucial. Therefore, Samarth is going to collaborate with a seasoned coach soon who can guide him through a comprehensive training plan, encompassing aspects such as strength training, cardiovascular exercises and specialised techniques. His persistence to this rigorous routine will further help him build the necessary stamina and resilience required to excel in his chosen field.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any journey towards success, Samarth faced numerous challenges along the way. He encountered hurdles that would have deterred many. However, his resilience allowed him to conquer these obstacles, transforming them into stepping stones on his path to victory. Through sheer grit, he transformed adversity into motivation, fueling his drive to push harder and surpass his own limitations. “His school teachers are very encouraging of him. They boost his morale. Samarth is very attached to them,” says the proud father.

Planning and Way Forward

“If Samarth is able to ace the sport in future too, I will get him professional skates. The cost can vary from INR 30,000 to 35,000; I am prepared for such investments. Besides, every competition has an entry fee. In addition to this, I have decided to pair up his training with the gym.” From June 06 of this year, the young student will commence a more intensive training. He will also have a dietician, coach and physiotherapist to prepare him well.

Interestingly, Samarth’s grandmother is taking the lead to take him to his practices. “He travels with her in the Mumbai local for five stations. As a family, we are doing our best efforts so that he comes on top. Our goal is to make him a cut above the rest. In future, he should be able to compete with other Under-6 players.”

The Sweet Taste of Victory

Samarth’s dedication and hard work culminated in remarkable victories in the recent endurance races. He outshined his competitors, crossing the finish line with unwavering resolve. Sharing from his son’s experience, Mr Joshi says, “Skating can give one a chance to do well alone as well as in teams. Slowly and steadily, I am getting to know the sport better for him.” The triumph of this four-year-old not only brought glory to himself but also served as an inspiration to fellow students and athletes. It is a reminder for all that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.