Seventeen-year-old Naisha Nishit Mehta from Mumbai made history at the 20th Asian Roller Skating Championship held in Jecheon, South Korea, by winning the Gold Medal in the Junior Girls Solo Dance category with an impressive 6.72-point lead.
This landmark event featured over 600 skaters from 22 Asian countries competing across various disciplines, including speed, inline hockey, freestyle, and artistic roller-skating.
Trained by Coach Adesh Singh, who is also an International Judge and Team India coach, Naisha’s victory marks India’s first-ever gold in this category, elevating the country’s stature on the continental skating stage. Besides skating, she has excelled academically (AIR 6 in ICSE) and in several Olympiads.
Officials and coaches laud her blend of technical skill, artistic expression, and composure under pressure, highlighting her as a beacon for niche sports in India.
A Golden Journey on Wheels
Naisha’s skating odyssey began at just 4½ years old when she laced up her first skates in Mumbai. Over nearly 13 years, she has amassed 10 National, 28 State, and 23 District gold medals, showcasing relentless discipline and exceptional talent.
Her prowess isn’t confined to the rink; academically, she secured an All India Rank (AIR) 6 in the demanding ICSE exams with 98.6% and topped major Olympiads like SEAMO, Gauss, and the Dr. Homi Bhabha Mathematics Olympiad.
Additionally, she was first runner-up at the Pearl Padamsee Trophy for Drama, reflecting her versatile talent. “Skating is where I find freedom. Winning gold for India was a dream I lived on that rink,” Naisha shared, capturing the emotional core of her journey.
Their coach Adesh Singh praised her “impeccable balance, creativity, and emotional depth,” emphasizing how Naisha’s artistry and resilience set her apart and inspire the skating community.
Breaking New Ground and Inspiring Futures
The 20th Asian Roller Skating Championship, governed by the Confederation of Asian Roller Sports, has become a hallmark for technical excellence and growing international representation.
Naisha’s historic gold medal not only enhances India’s footprint but is part of a broader success for the Indian contingent, which won medals across speed skating, inline hockey, freestyle, and roller derby. The event’s rigorous judging standards, featuring officials from Japan, Italy, South Korea, and India, underscored the high competitive calibre.
With forthcoming competitions like the Pacific Cup and World Roller Games slated later this year, India plans its largest-ever contingent, aiming to build on the momentum generated.
Naisha and her team are also pursuing advanced training with international experts, aiming to inspire younger generations to explore and excel in less mainstream sports.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Naisha Mehta’s story epitomises the power of dedication, multifaceted brilliance, and breaking barriers in sports typically overlooked in India. Blending athletic excellence with academic and artistic achievements, she exemplifies holistic success that transcends conventional boundaries.
At a time when India is striving for inclusive growth and the celebration of diverse talents, stories like Naisha’s reinforce the importance of nurturing unconventional fields and multi-dimensional growth. This victory urges educational institutions, policymakers, and communities to foster environments where diverse talents can be identified, encouraged, and adequately supported.
