Himank is studying in RPS International School and practicing speed skating. He says skating has helped him physically and mentally. He is a State Champion and also won a gold medal in CBSE Nationals. He advises that along with studies, sports is also very important as it provides various benefits. He is striving to win a Gold Medal in the Nationals.

The Initiation

Himank says that when he was eight years old his mother enrolled him in skating as he was a very notorious child. He started skating at a summer camp and slowly his interest grew in the sport, but due to his knee surgery he had to drop skating. Later, in the eighth grade he decided to start skating again and within two months he participated in the State tournament. He won a bronze medal in the competition and decided to pursue this sport professionally.

Gurus & Role Models

Himank’s coaches are Tanmay Rathi and Vishnu Dutt who are National level skaters and Record holders who train him at D Fast Roller Skating Academy. His coach Tanmay Rathi teaches him strategies, techniques and advanced points related to the sport. Himank says that initially his pushes, crossovers and explosiveness was not good in skating but his coaches helped him to improve and enhance his techniques. He secured a State level medal because of the motivation of his coaches in a very short period. He considers his coach Tanmay Rathi as his role model and loves his training. He also admires an international skater Pankaj Khandodiya and likes his sprints as well as the way of explaining.

The Talent

Himank shares that there are 11 disciplines of skating one of which is Speed Skating. Speed skating is based on speed and races that include 100m, 200m, 500m sprints and long races of 10kms, 15kms etc. He is a short sprinter. Skating is helping him in studies and also in improving his health. After his knee surgery his legs became weak but now because of skating his legs have become strong. In terms of studies, it is helpful in enhancing concentration power. It has become very easy for him to focus on one thing without any distraction.

Achievements

Himank participated in two types of tournaments like CBSE tournaments and those organized by Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI). He won a bronze medal in Ranking Nationals of RSFI. He also won three gold medals in the state championship and also won a silver medal in the Time Trial of CBSE Nationals, which is his biggest achievement so far. He has also played in various open tournaments and won several medals at the district and state levels.

A Bit More

Initially, managing studies and sports was difficult for Himank but he made a schedule for everything like he went to the gym in the morning and then to school directly. After school, he goes to the stadium in the evening and then studies for one and a half hours. He advises the youngsters that physical activity is very important in life. Anyone who is interested in learning skating should start from the basic level and then gradually move up to the professional level. Daily 2-3 hours of physical activity is necessary in every sport. Studies and sports are equally important as it helps in many ways and provides various benefits in career also. Himank says his father's scolding gives him motivation and forces him to bring the medal by putting in all his efforts.