63rd National Roller-Skating Championship begins in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is hosting the 63rd National Roller-Skating Championship, bringing more than 4,000 skaters from 34 States and Union Territories to the city for ten days of competition.

The event was inaugurated on Friday at the VMRDA Park rink. Andhra Pradesh Roller Skating Association President J. Sudhakar Reddy said the championship is being organised under the Roller-Skating Federation of India with support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He thanked the State government for its assistance.

Events will take place at multiple venues, including VMRDA Park, Shivaji Park, and Boyapalem. Teams have already arrived and begun training. Senior officials from RSFI, including general secretary D. Bhagirath, are expected to attend.

Organisers said VMRDA, GVMC and the district administration upgraded the rinks on priority to meet competition standards. They also acknowledged the police, traffic authorities and media for their support.

International skaters, including recent world gold medallist V. Anand Kumar, are participating. Their presence is expected to inspire young athletes. This is the first national skating championship being held in Visakhapatnam in nearly six years, and organisers have urged citizens to attend and cheer for the competitors.

The championship features 11 disciplines, including speed skating, artistic, roller hockey, inline categories, roller derby, skateboarding and scooter, across six age groups from Tiny Tots to Masters.