A 10-member skating team from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is set to make its first appearance at the SGFI National School Skating Championship, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s development in the islands.
The team, comprising boys and girls from the under-14 and under-17 age categories, will participate in the 69th edition of the championship, scheduled to be held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, from December 25 to 30, 2025. The contingent is scheduled to depart from the islands on December 23.
Participation in the national-level event represents a major step forward for skating in the islands, a discipline that has seen gradual growth but limited exposure at national platforms. Officials associated with sports development noted that selection for the championship reflects sustained training efforts and increasing participation among school-level athletes.
Ahead of their departure, the team attended a blessing ceremony organised by the Education Department, where encouragement was extended to the young athletes. The event was intended to boost morale and recognise the effort put in by the skaters in preparing for the championship.
The SGFI National School Skating Championship brings together teams from across the country, providing a competitive environment that tests both technical skill and endurance. For the island team, the event is expected to offer valuable exposure to national standards of competition and performance benchmarks.
Sports officials have highlighted that participation in such events plays a critical role in talent development, allowing young athletes to gain experience beyond local and regional competitions. Exposure to diverse competitors and judging standards is seen as essential for raising the overall standard of the sport in the islands.
The inclusion of both under-14 and under-17 categories reflects efforts to create a structured pipeline for athlete development, ensuring continuity and progression across age groups. Coaches and trainers associated with the team have been focusing on discipline-specific techniques, fitness conditioning and competition readiness in the lead-up to the event.
The debut appearance also underscores broader efforts by the administration to promote lesser-known sports alongside mainstream disciplines. Skating, which requires specialised infrastructure and coaching, has been gradually gaining traction through school-level programmes and departmental initiatives.
Officials expressed hope that the team’s participation would inspire more students to take up skating and contribute to the sport’s growth in the islands. Success at the national level, they noted, could also strengthen the case for enhanced facilities and training support in the future.
As the team prepares to compete on the national stage, expectations remain focused on gaining experience and representing the islands with discipline and sportsmanship. The championship is viewed not only as a competitive opportunity but also as a learning platform that could shape the future trajectory of skating in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
