Skating on Thin Ice: Shimla’s Young Champions Shine Despite Limited Training and Facilities
In a heartwarming display of grit and talent, young skaters from Shimla have made the hill town proud by clinching seven medals at the 20th National Ice Skating Championship held in Dehradun. Representing Himachal Pradesh, these athletes from the Simla Ice Skating Club have defied the odds—training for just two months a year due to weather constraints and outdated infrastructure.
Among the standout performers:
- Amyra Sood struck gold in the Starlet Girls category.
- Amay Sood earned bronze in Starlet Boys.
- A clean sweep in Rising Star Girls with Saviona Doger (gold), Vrinda Chaudhry (silver), and Vanshika Chaudhry (bronze).
- Paavany Kuthiala took silver in Pre-Juvenile Girls.
- Savani Doger secured bronze in Pre-Novice Girls.
These victories are not just medals—they’re milestones. The Shimla rink, a heritage site and the birthplace of ice skating in India, has long struggled with limited support and a shrinking season. Once a thriving hub for winter sports, it now operates only during the coldest months, leaving athletes with minimal time to train.
Despite these challenges, Shimla’s skaters have shown that passion and perseverance can overcome even the harshest limitations. Their success is a powerful reminder of the region’s rich legacy in ice skating—and a call to action.
The Simla Ice Skating Club is now urging the Himachal Pradesh government to upgrade the seasonal rink into an all-weather facility, allowing year-round training and the chance to compete internationally. Their recent medal haul is not just a celebration—it’s a wake-up call to preserve and invest in India’s first ice rink before its legacy fades.
