First ice skating nationals outside Shimla in Gurgaon

GURGAON: In the last decade, Indian sport has evolved enough for a discipline like skating to be considered not just a leisure pursuit but a route to international glory. This weekend, the best young Indians will be looking to show off their prowess on ice, here in Gurgaon.
For the first time in the event's history, the National Ice Skating Championship will be held outside Shimla, with the Millennium City's very own rink playing host.iSKATE, located in a city mall, is the venue for the nationals. Held under the aegis of the Ice Skating Association of India, the two-day event will see competition in two categories, speed and figure skating, with a total of around 100 participants, between the ages of 10 and 19, expected to vie for top honours.
Of the hundred, 10 have flown in from skating strongholds like the US, the UK, Russia and New Zealand. Among these are Indian-Americans Shreya Dalal and Anavi Tekriwal. Dalal, from the whimsically-named small town of King of Prussia, in Pennsylvania (US), fell in love with skating when she took up the sport at the age if 11. "I compete once a month, but skate every day!" says this 16-year-old.
Besides taking part in the figure-skating category, Dalal will be partnering Nishchay Luthra in the pairs. The only one in her family to be bitten by the skating bug, Dalal has almost always finished in the medal places every time she has contended. Last year in the nationals, she came second, and will be aiming to go one better in 2015.
In fact, her visit to Shimla in 2014 marked the first time Dalal had taken part in an event outside of the US. And this year, she's looking to regularly pit her wits away from the comforts of home.
Hopefully, her presence, and that of the other 'Indian' visitors, will help boost an activity that continues to attract new converts. "Skating is picking up in India, it's getting stronger," believes Dalal. The talented Nikhil Pingle and Ishita Kapoor, confirmed entries for the nationals, are proof of that.
Dalal's favourite ice queens are Americans Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold, figure-skaters both. Only the future will tell if she, or any of the other girls, will follow in their footsteps. But expect some exciting action on the ice this weekend - and who knows, you might just spot a future Olympic champion.