In a historic feat that has left the nation beaming with pride, Shreyasi Joshi from Pune has become the first Indian ever to win a gold medal in Classic Slalom at the Asian Roller Skating Championships 2025, held in South Korea. Her stellar performance scored an unbelievable 83.33 points, a moment not just for celebration but also for rewriting the history of Indian roller sports.

A Skater’s Journey: From Playground to Podium

Shreyasi's skating journey began before she could even spell the word “competition.” She first laced up her skates at age three, training alongside her sister Swarali Joshi—herself a nine-time national champion and India’s representative at the 2022 Paris Slalom World Cup. While most children are still learning how to balance a bicycle, Shreyasi and Swarali were already skating in sync. What began as regular skating soon transformed into a serious pursuit of inline freestyle, a discipline that demands strength, balance, rhythm, and creativity.

Education Meets Ambition

Behind the gold medal is also a disciplined student. Shreyasi is currently pursuing her higher studies at MIT World Peace University, Pune. Her university didn’t hesitate to share her victory with the world, proudly calling her an inspiration for young athletes across the country. Her ability to juggle academics with competitive skating shows her dedication, time management, and focus—qualities that truly set champions apart.

Making Headlines Worldwide

The moment she clinched the title, the internet lit up with admiration. From sports enthusiasts to public figures, social media erupted in praise, calling her performance "incredible" and her achievement “a landmark moment for India.” Clips of her performance went viral, particularly the moment where she skates backwards with ballet-like grace, a move that left many viewers in sheer disbelief. One user summed it up: “This isn’t just skating. It’s art in motion.”

What Is Classic Slalom Skating? A Dance on Wheels

Classic Slalom is a style of inline skating where skaters perform a set of tricks by weaving through a straight line of small cones. Each skater gets a set time, usually around 90 seconds, to show off their skills using music. What makes it special is how skaters mix balance, speed, and creativity, often spinning, jumping, or dancing between the cones without knocking them over. It’s like dancing on skates, and judges score based on style, difficulty, and how smoothly the tricks are done. Classic Slalom is not just a sport; it’s a beautiful mix of art and athleticism on wheels.

National Champion to International Star

This gold medal isn’t a one-time surprise. Shreyasi has been dominating Indian skating circuits for years. In the 59th National Roller Skating Championship held in Mohali in 2021, she swept the senior girls’ category with gold in both Speed Slalom and Classic Slalom, scoring the highest points in the girls’ division. 

She made her international debut at just 12 years old, representing India at the World Roller Games in China. Since then, she has earned medals in Chuncheon (South Korea), Milan (Italy), and Senigallia, consistently building her legacy. 

Today, she is ranked World No. 4 in her category. 

What makes Shreyasi’s journey even more special is how she has broken barriers in a male-dominated sport. Skating in India doesn’t often receive the same attention or support as cricket or badminton. Yet here she is, not just participating but dominating on the world stage. For many young girls in India who dream big but feel the weight of limited opportunities, Shreyasi has become a symbol of what’s possible with perseverance. Her story isn’t just about medals and scores; it’s about belief, dedication, and having the courage to chase your passion.

More Than a Medal: A Cultural Shift

The significance of Shreyasi’s win goes beyond sports. It opens up conversations about supporting non-mainstream athletes, increasing visibility for roller sports in India, and encouraging government and private organizations to invest in budding talent across various disciplines. She’s not just a gold medalist. She’s a changemaker, reminding the nation that with the right push, Indian athletes can shine in every corner of the world. 

With the world watching and her momentum stronger than ever, Shreyasi Joshi is just getting started. Her dream? To bring home more international titles, inspire a new generation of skaters, and build a legacy where skating is seen not just as a hobby but as a serious sport in India. She has already proven that dreams can glide on wheels. Now, it’s time the country helps pave her road ahead. In a world where breaking news often comes from cricket pitches and football fields, Shreyasi Joshi has made the roller rink her arena of glory. Her golden run in South Korea is a reminder that heroes come in skates too, and sometimes, they glide right into history.