Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Jun: In a historic moment for Uttarakhand’s sporting achievements, Dehradun on Friday became the host of India’s first-ever Indoor Ice-Skating National Championship. The event was inaugurated by Sports Minister Rekha Arya at the Himadri Ice Rink, located at Maharana Pratap Sports Stadium. A total of 19 state teams from across the country are participating in the 20th edition of the National Short Track and Figure Skating Championship, which will run until 30 June.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sports Minister Rekha Arya said, “Until now, all national ice-skating championships in India were held in open snow-covered arenas during the winter season. For the first time, we are hosting this championship in an indoor rink — a major step in transforming Devbhoomi Uttarakhand into a hub of winter sports.”
She added that the Himadri Ice Rink will remain open year-round for training and practice, offering athletes from across the country the opportunity to excel and bring international glory to India in ice sports.
The event witnessed breathtaking performances by ice skaters, showcasing incredible balance, speed, and movement that left the audience in awe.
Dignitaries present at the event included Principal Secretary (Sports) Amit Sinha, Director, Sports, Ashish Chauhan, President, Ice Skating Association of India, Amitabh Sharma, Asian Event Coordinator Chris Chen, President, Uttarakhand Ice Skating Association, Shiv Panyuli, and Jagraj Sahni, among others.
Sports Minister Rekha Arya also highlighted the success of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team, which recently won a bronze medal at the Asian Championship Cup held in the UAE. The team underwent a one-month intensive training camp at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun before their departure.
She asserted, “The players themselves credited the facilities and training at Himadri for their international success. It is a matter of immense pride for every citizen of Uttarakhand that our sports infrastructure is now playing a key role in winning medals for Team India at the global level.”
