Unstoppable on wheels: Mumbai kid sets the bar high

In the fast-paced world of sports, one name stands out, radiating passion, dedication, and sheer talent. Meet Shaurya S Tayde, the sensational skating champion from Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, who defies gravity with every stride. With a heart full of determination and a spirit that knows no bounds, Shaurya has become a beacon of inspiration, dazzling the skating world with his unmatched achievements and unwavering commitment.

The young boy has participated and won several skating championships. To mention a few, he bagged two silver medals in long and short races at the 2nd Open Skating Championship 2023 held on 5 February 2023 at Dombivali. He also participated in a competition held by India Skate Roller Skating Federation of India cleared the district-level. Besides, he made an attempt to crack it for the state-level too.

Among his recent accomplishments, Shaurya won a trophy in Speed Skating championship 2023-24 at Decathlon in a Mumbai-based mall. He was also part of an Endurance Open Challenge at Sports City – The Academy School in Pune. What more? He is just a grade 1 student in the school who says, “I like skating very much. I love practicing for it every day. My mother and coach (Shafeer sir) inspire me.”

In the following article, we learn more about the prodigy from his mother, Ms Binita Tayde. She shares that her son is an active kid who is keen to learn sports such as football and basketball. Read edited excerpts:  

Unleashing the Fire Within

From the very first moment he set foot on the rink, Shaurya’s destiny was sealed. Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for success, he discovered his true calling and embraced the world of skating with open arms. Supported by his ever-encouraging parents and the nurturing environment of Apeejay School, Nerul, Shaurya unleashed a passion that set him on an extraordinary journey of greatness. Ms Tayde says, “A year ago, I took him to the nearby park to play. There he saw other children on the wheels. Looking at them, he too wanted to try it out. He was simply fascinated by it. So, I requested the coach, Mr Shafeer, to teach him. In no time, Shaurya began to participate in competitions and ace them.”

Crafting a Legacy of Triumph

Shaurya’s relentless pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. Every day, he pushes himself to new limits and surpasses expectations. His countless hours of sweat, grit, and determination have borne fruit, as he emerged victorious in numerous skating competitions. With each stride, he leaves spectators awestruck, captivating their hearts and etching his name in the annals of skating history. “The first time he bagged a silver medal at K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering in Mumbai, he was truly happy. He enjoys his practice sessions and loves to play with other kids of his age,” says the proud mother.

The Unstoppable Force

What sets Shaurya apart is not just his exceptional skill, but also his unwavering dedication to his craft. He understands that champions are made in the unseen moments of sacrifice and hard work. While others sleep, he glides across the rink, perfecting his technique, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The young kid wakes up at 6 in the morning to practice. During the summer break, his sessions have even doubled up. He is currently working towards his flexibility, endurance, strength and fitness. He has mastered crossing and bending with his dedication over the years. “He has taken an interest in sports after us (parents). My husband, Mr Shailesh Tayde, too is a sportsperson. As for me, I swim and like to watch cricket, football and even gymnastics with him” says Ms Tayde.  

Inspiring a Generation

Shaurya’s journey serves as a powerful inspiration to young dreamers. He proves that age is just a number when it comes to chasing one’s dreams. His story ignites the flame of hope in aspiring skaters, encouraging them to lace up their skates, face challenges head-on, and carve their own path to success. “Since he is doing well in the sport, as parents, we would be delighted for him to take it up professionally. He has become attuned to participating and so, he looks forward to being part of more and more competitions.”

Lastly, his mother shared advice for fellow parents who would like to enroll their child in sports. She says, “Try to communicate with your child about their interest. Don’t push for something s/he doesn’t want to do. Your ward may have a better chance at excelling if they start to follow their passion early on.”