‘We have to prove ourselves every time’: How 21-year-old Shreyasi Joshi made skating history for India

India's cultural tapestry extends far beyond cricket, boasting a thriving sporting scene encompassing hockey, badminton, wrestling, athletics, gymnastics, football, kabaddi, and various other disciplines. Among its athletes, 21-year-old Shreyasi Joshi, born in Pune, aims to elevate skating to new heights on the global stage. The Lishui Inline Freestyle International provided Joshi with a historic moment as she became the first Indian to claim a medal in the Senior Women's Classic Slalom category, securing bronze in the event.

The competition, recognized as the highest level of international competition apart from world championships, drew skaters from across the globe, including China, Russia, Spain, Poland, and Italy. Joshi acknowledged the formidable presence of Chinese skaters, who dominate the podium in Inline Freestyle. She described the unusually slippery skating surface as a significant challenge, making the competition even more demanding.

Joshi's journey from a school skating rink to the international arena began at the tender age of three when she watched skaters practice at her school. While her professional aspirations were not initially part of the plan, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed her involvement in inline freestyle. Practising at home with her sister Swarali, the sport's flexibility appealed to them, allowing for training even in limited spaces.

Since 2022, Joshi has actively participated in international competitions, representing India at the 2023 Asian Games, Asian Championships, and the 2024 and 2025 World and Asian Championships. Her academic pursuits as a Computer Science engineering student at MIT World Peace University in Pune have intertwined with her skating career, requiring a rigorous training regimen that spans twice daily while balancing her studies.

Joshi's flexibility in her college schedule has been instrumental in managing her dual commitments, allowing for focused training sessions and exam preparation. Her dual career exemplifies India's diverse sporting landscape, where athletes like Joshi are breaking stereotypes and redefining the nation's sporting legacy.