Kartikeya, Puneesh & Arshjyot clinch gold in Nat’l Skating Meet in Kolkata

Kartikeya and Puneesh posing along with gold medals.
Kartikeya and Puneesh posing along with gold medals.

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 24: Roller skaters from Jammu & Kashmir delivered an outstanding performance at the 9th Open National Ranking Roller Skating Championship 2025, held in Kolkata, West Bengal, bringing laurels to the Union Territory despite adverse weather conditions.
Over 2,500 skaters from across India participated in the championship held between June 19 to 23, but it was the J&K contingent that stood out with their grit and skill. Kartikeya Puri led the medal tally with two Gold Medals in the Senior Boys (Above-18) Quads category, winning the 1 Lap Road Race and the 3000m Road Race under challenging monsoon conditions.
“Once again skaters from Jammu & Kashmir rise, shine and represent their Union Territory with glory,” said GS Khurmi, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Roller Skating Association (JKRSA). His words echoed the pride felt across the J&K, as its athletes continued to make their mark on the national stage.
Matching that spirit was Puneesh Puri, who represented J&K in the U-15 Sub-Junior Boys Inline category. He too clinched two Gold Medals — in the 1 Lap Road Race and the 5000m Elimination Race — proving that focus, discipline and dedication can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
Adding to the medal haul, Arshjyot Singh delivered an inspiring performance in the 15–18 Boys Quads, winning a Gold Medal in the 1 Lap Road Race. His execution and composure during the event were widely praised, reinforcing the strength and depth of J&K’s skating contingent.
Alongside the medallists, skaters Rajveer Singh Sarotia, Vanshaj Sharma, Divay Jamwal and Arnav Singh Salathia competed with fierce determination and pride. Though they didn’t make it to the podium, their efforts were no less inspiring, as they went head-to-head with the nation’s top talent and demonstrated the steady rise of competitive skating in Jammu & Kashmir.