Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 16 Aug: India will host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025 for the first time. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun from 20 to 23 August.
The announcement was made on Saturday during a press conference held by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI). ISAI President Amitabh Sharma said the event marks a major milestone for India’s winter sports. “With the revival of this rink, we are creating a future where India can host bigger competitions like the Junior World Cup by 2027 and even the Winter Olympics,” he added.
Over 240 skaters and officials from 11 Asian countries including China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia will take part. India will be represented by 95 skaters, making it the largest contingent. The competition will have races from 222 metres to 5000 metres relay, with categories from juniors to seniors.
The Himadri Ice Rink, India’s only Olympic-sized rink, was once closed due to high maintenance costs but has now been revived. It recently hosted the National Skating Championships and is now ready for this international event.
The event is also seen as part of India’s dream to host the 2036 Olympics. Top Indian skaters such as Eklavya Jagal, Sohan Tarkar, and Sai Sahana will compete, along with several international medallists.
The press conference also featured videos on the tournament’s logo, mascot, and Team India preparations, with a special message from IOA President PT Usha.
This championship is not just about medals but also about showing India’s potential in winter sports and inspiring the next generation of athletes. It marks a new beginning for ice sports in the country.
