India's Roller Skating Dream: Coach HR Ravish Outlines Path to Success

Skateboarding garnered a lot of attention during the just concluded Paris Olympics 2024 where Japan and Australia clinched two gold medals along with two silver and two bronze medals respectively.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) with the introduction of such sports aims to capture the attention of the Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha to further its impact and during the 33rd Summer Olympiad, the organisers succeeded up to an extent.

While the skateboarding culture is yet to pick up in India its cousin, roller skating - which is already a part of the Asian Games - is carving out its niche in the country. A 14-member Indian roller skating team won bronze medals in two events at Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games.

However, as the sport grows in popularity, the challenges of bridging the gap between national-level performance and international competition have come into sharper focus.

H R Ravish, the National Skating Head at Orchids The International School and Coach of the Roller Skating Federation of India, in an email interaction with myKhel sheds light on the multifaceted strategies needed to propel Indian skaters to the global stage.

From enhanced training programs and international exchange opportunities to improved infrastructure and greater financial support, Ravish emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach.

Schools and educational institutions play a pivotal role in this journey, nurturing talent from a young age and providing the necessary resources to develop future champions. However, the road to international success is fraught with obstacles, including the 'B category' classification of skating, which limits funding and support.

Ravish also highlights the need for a significant overhaul of India's sports infrastructure to better support roller skating, noting the disparities in training facilities compared to other countries. Here are the excerpts:

Q: How can we bridge the gap between national-level performance and international-level competition in skating?

ANS: To bridge the gap between national-level performance and international-level competition in skating, we need a multifaceted approach. Providing enhanced training programs is essential to hiring coaches with international expertise and ensuring athletes have access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment. Additionally, mentorship programs can help skaters adapt to the competitive environment on the global stage.

Establishing exchange programs with top-performing countries can foster growth and learning for both skaters and coaches. Regular use of data and analytics, can help coaches monitor performance and identify the key areas for improvement in skaters.

The skating ecosystem can also be strengthened by collaborating with corporate sponsors for additional support and securing funding for training, travel, and competition expenses.

The funds can also be used for scholarships and grants for promising skaters. Finally, collaboration and partnerships with national and international skating federations will further ensure the alignment of strategies and objectives.

Q. What role do you think schools and educational institutions should play in nurturing skating talent?

ANS: To nurture skating talent and develop future champions, schools can implement a comprehensive strategy. Firstly schools must identify talent through physical education classes and school sports programs, while offering skating as an extracurricular activity provides early exposure and training.

Proper facilities and resources such as skating rinks, quality equipment, and qualified coaches must be provided. Integrated programs, such as sports academies within schools, can help develop athletes while ensuring a strong education.

Furthermore, dual career programs with flexible schedules and online learning options allow students to pursue skating seriously while continuing their studies. Schools must partner with skating organizations that provide sports scholarships and financial support that covers training, equipment, and competition costs, alongside funding for travel to national and international events.

Participating in inter-school skating competitions is also vital as it fosters competitive experience and showcases performance opportunities to build confidence. We at Orchids The International School exemplify this approach by already incorporating skating into our sports curriculum, which helps students develop foundational skills and interest in the sport.

Q: In your opinion, what needs to change in India's sports infrastructure to better support roller skating?

ANS: To better support roller skating in India, several key improvements in infrastructure are essential. First, there is a need for more dedicated coaches, equipment such as roller skating rinks and facilities that meet international standards.

Upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure safe, high-quality training environments is also crucial. Increased funding and sponsorship from both the government and private sector will support infrastructure development and athlete support.

Integrating roller skating into school curriculums and organizing more regional and national competitions can help identify and nurture young talent, raising the sport's profile and encouraging wider participation. These changes will create a stronger foundation for roller skating, helping athletes excel and bringing greater recognition to the sport in India.

4. What impact does the classification of skating as a 'B category' sport have on its development and athlete support?

ANS: The classification of skating as a 'B category' sport has several impacts on its development and athlete support. Funding and financial support is a primary concern. B-category sports typically receive less government funding compared to A-category sports, which limits resources available for training, equipment, and infrastructure development.

Additionally, athletes might have access to fewer grants and financial assistance programs, making it more challenging to cover costs related to training and competition.

Infrastructure development also suffers under this classification. Limited funding results in fewer dedicated facilities and training centres for skating, hindering the growth and accessibility of the sport. Also due to limited funding, the existing facilities may not be adequately maintained or upgraded, affecting the quality of training environments.

Insufficient funding can lead to a scarcity of qualified coaches, impacting the quality of training available to athletes. Development programs and coaching clinics might be less frequent or comprehensive, which can affect athletes' skill development and fewer opportunities for athletes to compete at both national and international levels.

This further impacts scholarships and financial aid programs making it harder for athletes to balance their training with educational needs. Access to nutrition, psychology, and physiotherapy, might be affected leading to athletes' overall development and performance.

Due to the B-category status, skating might receive less attention from policymakers and sports administrators leading to slower progress in addressing the sport's needs and challenges, and in the implementation of basic programs that are aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent.

Skating federations and associations need to work harder to advocate for better support and recognition from both the government and the private sector, to facilitate the sport's growth and popularity.

Q: How do you compare the training facilities in India with those available to skaters in other countries?

ANS: In India, skating facilities are often limited in number and quality, with many rinks and training centres failing to meet international standards and experiencing inconsistent maintenance. This affects the overall training experience and athlete safety.

In contrast, countries with strong skating traditions like the United States, Canada, and many European nations offer state-of-the-art facilities that are well-maintained and equipped with advanced technology and support services, enhancing training quality significantly.

Quality skating facilities are mainly confined to urban areas, leaving athletes in rural or less developed regions without adequate resources and often requiring long travels for training. Conversely, countries with more developed sports infrastructure have a widespread network of rinks and training centres, making it easier for athletes from various regions to access suitable training locations.

India suffers from a shortage of highly qualified and experienced coaches, with many lacking exposure to the latest training techniques and international competition standards. In contrast, countries with established skating programs boast a larger pool of experienced and internationally recognized coaches who bring advanced methodologies and a deeper understanding of competitive skating.

Support services such as sports science, physiotherapy, sports psychology, and nutrition are often limited or poorly integrated into training programs in India, impacting athletes' development and performance. On the other hand, skaters in other countries benefit from comprehensive support services that are integrated into their training which helps enhance performance and prevent injuries.

Finally, better-funded skating programs in other countries ensure high-quality facilities, coaching, and support, often providing financial assistance, scholarships, and sponsorships that reduce the financial burden on athletes. To improve the situation in India, a concerted effort is needed from the government, private sector, and sports federations to invest in infrastructure, train coaches, and support athletes comprehensively.

Q: Are there enough competitive opportunities at the national level to prepare the skaters for international competitions?

ANS: The state of roller skating competitions in India presents several areas for improvement. Currently, the number of national-level competitions is relatively limited, restricting skaters' opportunities to gain competitive experience and measure their progress.

Increasing the frequency and variety of these competitions would offer more chances for skaters to compete, enhance their skills, and adapt to different settings. Additionally, the standards of national competitions often fall short of international benchmarks, which can hinder skaters' preparation for global events. Adhering to international standards in judging, rink quality, and organization would better equip skaters for international challenges.

The diversity of events in national competitions is also a concern; the limited range of disciplines reduces skaters' exposure to the full spectrum of competitive skating. Expanding the range of events and including all recognized disciplines along with youth and developmental competitions, would provide comprehensive preparation and allow skaters to specialize and excel.

Geographically, national competitions are often concentrated in major cities, making it difficult for skaters from other regions to participate regularly. Distributing competitions more evenly across the country would facilitate access for skaters from various regions without excessive travel.

Q: How do you perceive the level of exposure and support for roller skating compared to other sports like wrestling, badminton, and weightlifting in India?

ANS: Roller skating in India faces several challenges compared to more established sports like wrestling, badminton, and weightlifting. As a B-category sport, roller skating receives significantly less government funding, impacting the development of infrastructure, training programs, and competitive opportunities.

In contrast, wrestling, badminton, and weightlifting benefit from better government support, which translates into more robust infrastructure, including numerous arenas, courts, and gyms that meet international standards.

The shortage of experienced and qualified coaches for roller skating further hampers its development. Training programs for roller skating are less advanced and widespread compared to those for wrestling, badminton, and weightlifting, where athletes have access to highly qualified coaches and structured programs supported by national federations.

Competitive opportunities for roller skating are also limited, with fewer national and regional competitions available, whereas the other sports enjoy a well-established competitive structure with numerous tournaments both nationally and internationally.

Sponsorship and commercial support for roller skating are limited due to its lower profile, affecting financial backing for athletes and events. On the other hand, wrestling, badminton, and weightlifting attract significant sponsorship from both private and public sectors, with successful athletes often securing lucrative endorsement deals, which boosts the sports' profiles further. While roller skating is gaining popularity, it still lags behind these more established sports in terms of exposure and support.

Q: How effective do you think the role of sports federations is in the promotion of lesser-known sports in India?

ANS: Sports federations play a crucial role in the development and support of sports, including roller skating. They have significant potential in several key areas. For infrastructure development, federations can lobby for government support, secure funding, and oversee the construction and maintenance of facilities.

In talent identification and development, federations can implement programs to discover and nurture young athletes through necessary initiatives and training camps. Federations are responsible for managing local, regional, and national events that provide athletes with essential competitive experience.

The success of these events depends on the federation's ability to organize well-run competitions that attract participants and spectators, with consistency and quality being crucial. Federations can also invest in coaching and training programs by training and certifying coaches to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest techniques and knowledge.

Securing sponsorships and funding is another area where federations can make a difference. By attracting sponsors, federations can provide financial support for athletes, events, and infrastructure. Finally, federations have the potential to influence policy and advocate for greater government support.

Q: What can be done to increase public interest in roller skating and other lesser-known sports to boost international representation?

ANS: Important programs play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for roller skating. Introducing skating programs in schools can engage children from a young age, incorporating it into physical education classes and extracurricular activities.

Community initiatives such as organizing skating events, workshops, and clinics will help increase local participation and interest. Additionally, encouraging the formation of local skating clubs can provide regular training and foster a sense of community among skaters of all ages.

Organizing local and regional competitions provides valuable experience and attracts spectators while ensuring that national championships are well-publicized and accessible creating excitement and national pride. Expanding the number and visibility of these events will give skaters more chances to showcase their skills and gain experience.

Investing in the development and maintenance of public skating rinks in both urban and rural areas will make facilities safe, affordable, and accessible. Establishing high-quality training centres with professional coaching and support services is essential for developing elite athletes and improving the overall standard of the sport.

Implementing talent identification programs helps discover and develop potential athletes from a young age. Providing financial support through scholarships and grants assists promising skaters with training and competition expenses. Hosting skating festivals and events that include demonstrations, competitions, and opportunities for the public to try skating will significantly boost interest.

Finally, promoting role models can inspire new participants and elevate the sport's profile. Highlighting the achievements of successful skaters and utilizing well-known athletes as ambassadors will enhance visibility and engage the community.