Young achiever: Jalandhar student wins trophy in a skating competition

Of late, India has been making waves in sports other than cricket. Be it the Khelo India or the Asian Games, our athletes are bringing accolades to the country including roller skating art. From Dhanush Babu to Avani Panchal, to Aadnya Borkar, their incredible accomplishments and outstanding contributions have made skating a popular sport.

Therefore, a lot of schools are also promoting roller skating including Apeejay School, Tanda Road. Meet Saksham Sharma their student who was recently adjudged the third position at the Kapurthala Skating Competition.

In a candid interview, the class III student speaks about the challenges in his skating journey and how he overcame them.

Tell us about yourself.

I love to play outdoor sports and therefore am hyperactive all the time. I make sure that I am part of every game or activity that the school organises. I love to take up a challenge and enjoy its thrill to the fullest.

Who motivated you to develop an interest in skating?

My paternal grandfather has played a huge role in introducing me to skating. I used to skate but only as a hobby. One day I was skating, he saw my potential, and motivated me to take this hobby seriously. His influence helped me transform my initial interest into a passionate pursuit.

What is your practice regimen?

I have a coach who assists me every day. I devote two hours daily to the practice. When my coach is unavailable, I go and practice by myself.

Did you face any challenges?

Initially, speed was the biggest challenge I encountered. To overcome this, I tried to keep a greater hold on my body and focused on my form. I took guidance from my coach who helped me build good strength and taught me to follow the correct form. Over time, with hard work, I was able to overcome this.

How do you manage your sports with your studies?

I have a set timetable which I follow every day. Once I am back from school, I rest for a while and then study. Once I am done with my homework and other educational activities, I go skating. After the skating session, I watch TV and go to sleep. For me, skating is important, but studies are a priority.

Which technique did you follow to elevate your speed?

My coach asked me to go slow with everything. As much as they ‘practice makes a man perfect’; I abided by the same. With time, I understood that it’s important to lean forward while bending my body a little. As soon as I had the right hold onto the technique, I was able to get a hold of my body thus elevating my speed without any hindrances.

Do you follow any diet to keep yourself fit?

Maintaining fitness is an essential part of my routine. I eat bananas daily since they are enriched with good sources of potassium and iron; they also help my muscles to function properly. Post my skating session, I consume a banana shake which helps me enhance the quality of my active routine.