Seoul, July 23, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian roller skating, Shreyasi Joshi, a 21-year-old skater from Pune, clinched the gold medal in the Inline Freestyle – Classic Slalom (Senior Women) event at the Asian Roller Skating Championship 2025 held in South Korea. This victory marks the first time an Indian has won this prestigious continental title, etching Shreyasi’s name in the annals of Indian sports history and elevating the profile of roller skating in the country.
A Historic Triumph
Shreyasi’s gold medal win in the Classic Slalom event, a discipline that demands precision, agility, and creativity as skaters navigate a series of cones with intricate footwork and spins, has been hailed as a monumental moment for Indian roller skating. Competing against top athletes from powerhouses like Chinese Taipei and South Korea, Shreyasi delivered a flawless performance, earning top marks from the judges for her technical prowess and artistic flair. Her victory not only secured India’s first-ever gold in this category but also underscored the growing potential of Indian skaters on the global stage.
The Asian Roller Skating Championship 2025, held at the Seoul Roller Sports Centre from July 18 to July 25, saw participation from over 20 countries, with athletes vying for medals across various disciplines, including speed skating, inline freestyle, and artistic skating. Shreyasi’s triumph in the Inline Freestyle – Classic Slalom event stood out as a defining moment, with her performance described as “mesmerizing” by spectators and analysts alike.
Shreyasi’s Journey to Glory
A second-year B.Tech Computer Science student at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune, Shreyasi Joshi is no stranger to success. A 10-time national champion, she has dominated the domestic circuit, winning gold medals in both Speed Slalom and Classic Slalom at the 62nd National Roller Skating Championships in Bengaluru in December 2024. Her sister, Swarali Joshi, a nine-time national champion, has also been a key figure in Pune’s roller skating community, making the Joshi siblings a formidable force in the sport.
Shreyasi’s journey began at a young age, training under the guidance of her coaches and supported by her family and university. Her dedication to balancing academics and athletics has been widely praised. “MIT-WPU has always supported me, ensuring I caught up on my studies after competitions. The faculty has been incredibly accommodating,” Shreyasi said in a recent interview, expressing gratitude for the university’s holistic approach to nurturing talent.
Her international experience includes competing at the Lucas Slalom World Cup in A Coruña, Spain, where she showcased her skills against global competitors. However, her performance at the Asian Championships 2025 has been her crowning achievement to date, with her gold medal win sparking celebrations across India.
The Significance of the Win
Shreyasi’s victory is a landmark for Indian roller skating, a sport that has historically struggled for mainstream recognition despite producing talents like Anup Kumar Yama, who won two bronze medals at the 2010 Asian Games. India’s roller skating contingent has made steady progress, with the men’s and women’s 3000m relay teams securing bronze medals at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. However, Shreyasi’s gold in the Classic Slalom event is the first individual title at this level, signaling a new era for the sport in India.
The Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) has been instrumental in promoting the sport at the grassroots level, organizing events like the Federation Cup 2025 in Chandigarh and the 2nd Inter District Open National Roller Skating Championship 2025. RSFI Secretary General Naresh Sharma congratulated Shreyasi, stating, “Her historic win is a testament to the hard work of our athletes and coaches. We are committed to taking roller skating to new heights, and Shreyasi’s achievement will inspire the next generation.”
Social Media Buzz and National Pride
Shreyasi’s victory has ignited a wave of pride across India, with social media platforms buzzing with congratulatory messages. Posts on X celebrated her as a “Champion on Wheels,” with users praising her focus and grace under pressure. One user wrote, “Shreyasi Joshi’s gold in Inline Freestyle Classic Slalom is truly groundbreaking. This historic moment will inspire many young athletes to take up roller skating.” Another hailed her performance as “mind-blowing,” noting her ability to navigate the narrow cone setups with unmatched skill.
Pune, often regarded as a hub for roller skating in India, has been particularly jubilant. Local media outlets, including Sakal Media, highlighted Shreyasi’s achievement, with headlines proclaiming, “Pune’s Shreyasi Joshi scripts history with Asian gold.” The city, which has produced other national champions like Jinesh Nanal and Arhant Joshi, continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
Looking Ahead
Shreyasi’s sights are now set on the World Games Chengdu 2025, where she aims to replicate her success on an even bigger stage. “Winning the Asian gold is a dream come true, but I’m hungry for more. My goal is to bring home a medal from the World Games,” she said, reflecting her ambition and determination.
Her performance has also drawn attention to the need for greater support for roller skating in India. Despite its inclusion in the Asian Games since 2010, the sport lacks the infrastructure and funding enjoyed by cricket or badminton. Advocates hope that Shreyasi’s win will prompt increased investment in training facilities and international exposure for Indian skaters.
Conclusion
Shreyasi Joshi’s historic gold medal at the Asian Roller Skating Championship 2025 is a moment of immense pride for India. As the first Indian to win the Inline Freestyle – Classic Slalom title, she has not only elevated her own legacy but also shone a spotlight on the potential of roller skating as a competitive sport in the country. With her talent, determination, and the support of her family, coaches, and institution, Shreyasi is poised to continue breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of Indian athletes to roll towards greatness.
