Rolling with Glory: India’s Women's Roller Derby Team Skate to Silver at Asian Championships
On the global map of sports, a new story from India is now etched in silver. At the prestigious 20th Asian Roller Skating Championships, held in Jecheon, South Korea, India’s Women’s Roller Derby Team stunned the continent by winning silver, their first-ever medal at this level in the sport. Running from July 19 to July 30, the event saw top roller derby teams from across Asia battling it out in a sport that combines speed, strategy, and spirit. While Australia clinched gold and Japan secured bronze, it was the Indian team’s silver-winning performance that captured hearts and headlines back home. The Captain Who Led with Courage: Shrutika SarodeAt the heart of this triumph is Shrutika Sarode, the team’s captain and a role model in more ways than one. A qualified engineer and an MBA graduate from Pune, Shrutika’s journey is a story of balance between books and blades, between ambition and action. Trained under Coach Ashutosh Jagtap in Pune, Shrutika has always believed that education and sports should go hand in hand. Her leadership reflects that balance: calm, focused, and fiercely competitive. “Winning silver at the Asian Championships is a proud and emotional moment for all of us,” said Shrutika. “This medal is not just ours it belongs to every aspiring skater in India. We hope this success brings more attention to roller derby and encourages young athletes to take up this incredible sport.” Her words, filled with gratitude and inspiration, speak volumes about the emotional weight of this victory.Coach Behind the Scenes: Sandip BhatnagarNo victory is possible without the person who trains minds and builds confidence. That role was expertly filled by Mr. Sandip Bhatnagar, the national team coach. His focus on discipline, technique, and team spirit laid the foundation for the squad’s performance at this international event. His efforts were not just about coaching the players for competition but about preparing them mentally and physically for the international stage, something Indian skaters rarely get a chance to experience.What Is Roller Derby?Roller Derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on roller skates. Two teams race around an oval track, and points are scored when one team’s “jammer” laps members of the opposing team. It requires strength, speed, agility, teamwork, and split-second strategy. While hugely popular in countries like the US and Australia, roller derby is still growing in India, with limited infrastructure and support. Yet, the Indian team’s silver medal proves that passion can overcome barriers.Beyond the medals and glory, what makes this achievement truly remarkable is the journey; each player on the Indian team has a personal story of success. Some come from cities where roller rinks are rare; others have faced financial hurdles or juggled studies and practice. What brought them together was a common love for skating and a desire to make India proud.An Emotional Victory for IndiaWhen the Indian flag was raised in South Korea, and the women stood with silver medals around their necks, it wasn’t just a team that had won; it was a moment of national pride. Social media lit up with messages of celebration, and roller derby fans across the country rejoiced at what could be the start of a new chapter in Indian sports. With this win, India has shown that its athletes are ready to shine in lesser-known sports. The silver medal is not the end; it’s the beginning of a new journey for roller derby in India. In the coming years, the hope is that more facilities, more visibility, and more support will come to this dynamic sport. And who knows? The next generation of champions may already be lacing up their skates in some corner of the country. The Indian Women’s Roller Derby Team’s performance in South Korea is proof of what can happen when dreams meet discipline. With Shrutika Sarode at the front, guided by experienced coaches and driven by sheer willpower, they have carved a place for themselves and for India on the international roller derby stage.