Analytical Report on World Skate Games 2024: Performance of India
The World Skate Games 2024 were successfully held across 10 cities in Italy, with over 12,000 athletes from 98 countries participating in 12 different events for 158 Medals. India was represented by a contingent of 188 athletes across 10 events. The highlight of India’s participation was the bronze medal won by the Indian Senior Women’s Roller Derby team. India secured a global ranking of 37th at the competition.
Indian Contingent at the Games
Total Indian Athletes: 178
Events Participated: 10
Medals Won: 1 Bronze (Senior Women’s Roller Derby)
The Indian delegation was led by Chief de Mission, Mrs. Sheila Priya, a retired senior IAS officer, who played a pivotal role in managing the contingent. Additionally, the team was supported by officials and a team of five cooks, ensuring athletes had access to fresh, nutritious vegetarian meals across all 10 venues.
Event-wise Performance Analysis
Roller Derby (Senior Women)
Medal: Bronze
Performance: The Senior Women’s Roller Derby team, participating in their second World Skate Games, delivered a commendable performance, securing a bronze medal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s roller derby journey.
Men’s Roller Derby: The men’s team, participating for the first time, showed impressive skill and resilience, finishing fourth. This strong debut lays a solid foundation for future competitions.
Speed Skating
Performance: Indian athletes showcased considerable improvement in their timings and race strategies. Most athletes made it to the finals, with some securing fourth and fifth positions. However, despite high expectations, a few key athletes fell short of podium finishes. A review is necessary to identify areas where performance faltered and implement corrective measures.
Inline Hockey
Junior Boys and Girls: The Indian Junior Inline Boys and Girls teams both made significant improvements. However, it was observed that the teams struggled with confidence, speed, stamina, and coordination, which impacted their overall performance. These areas need focused attention to enhance their future competitiveness.
Senior Boys and Girls: While both teams showed improvement over previous years, by conceding less goals than previously and scored goals too yet they did not reach the expected performance levels. Intensive reflection and strategy development are required to elevate their game in future tournaments.
Roller Hockey
The Indian Junior Boys teams made significant improvements. but in Senior Boys and Girls it was observed that the teams struggled with confidence, speed, stamina, and coordination, which impacted their overall performance. These areas need focused attention to enhance their future competitiveness.
Freestyle Skating
Inline Freestyle: All Indian athletes finished within the top 10, a remarkable achievement that reflects significant growth in this discipline. Their technical proficiency and presentation were praised by international coaches.
Roller Freestyle & Skateboarding:
Indian participants also exhibited vast improvement in roller freestyle and skateboarding events, with several finishing in the top 10. These results are promising and indicate that India’s investment in training and preparation is paying off.
Inline Downhill
Performance: For the first time, India sent six athletes to compete in inline downhill, and their performance exceeded expectations. Three athletes reached the finals, a remarkable achievement for a relatively new sport in India. The World Skate Inline Downhill chairman specifically commended the Indian team for their improved skills and competitive spirit.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
1. Selection Policy
One critical issue identified is the need to revisit and refine the selection policy for the national team. If India is to transition from top 10 finishes to podium standings, a deeper focus on selection standards and athlete preparedness is required. By ensuring that only the most prepared and strategically suited athletes compete at the international level, India can better position itself for medal contention.
2. Performance in Senior Categories
While junior teams are showing consistent improvement, there is room for significant enhancement in the performance of senior athletes, particularly in inline hockey and roller hockey. Targeted training and international exposure will be vital in closing the performance gap.
3. Diet and Nutrition
The provision of fresh, vegetarian meals by a dedicated team of five cooks was a notable success in maintaining the athletes’ energy and health throughout the event. However, future considerations could explore enhancing the variety and nutritional content, ensuring athletes are receiving optimum fuel for peak performance.
4. Coaching and Support Infrastructure
The praise received from international coaches for India’s improved performance is indicative of the country’s rising standards. However, continued investment in coaching infrastructure, international collaborations, and sports science support will be crucial to sustain and build upon this progress.
Recommendations
1. Selection Process Overhaul: The selection process needs a thorough review, focusing on key performance indicators and readiness metrics to ensure that the best athletes represent India.
2. International Exposure: More international training camps and participation in global events are recommended, particularly for senior athletes, to sharpen competitive skills.
3. Specialized Training Programs: Focused training programs in areas like speed skating and roller hockey (specially for seniors) can bridge the performance gaps, with dedicated coaching staff for each discipline.
4. Diet and Sports Nutrition: Continued emphasis on providing the athletes with high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals. Introducing sports nutritionists could further tailor athletes’ diets for performance.
5. Funding and Support: Enhanced financial support for grassroots programs, specialized coaching, and international exposure is critical to nurturing young talent and ensuring a continuous pipeline of world-class athletes.
Conclusion
The Indian contingent at the World Skate Games 2024 showcased significant improvement across various disciplines. The bronze medal in women’s roller derby and top 10 finishes in numerous events highlight India’s growing presence on the world stage. However, to further elevate India’s standing and secure podium finishes, strategic improvements in selection processes, athlete development, and support infrastructure are necessary. With these enhancements, India is well-positioned to become a global powerhouse in roller skating sports in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates!
*जय* *हिन्द**, **जय* *भारत**, *
