Naksh Kundan is a speed skater who has participated in several national level skating competitions. Naksh began skating after seeing other kids doing it, and was encouraged by his coach. He has won two gold medals in district races, one silver and one bronze in CBSE and RSFI state competitions, and participated in national level skating tournaments in 2022 and 2023. He also gives social speeches and participates in poetry competitions, inspiring others to work hard and stay active.

The Initiation

Naksh says that he became interested in skating after seeing several youngsters do it in his locality. Inspired by them, he started skating, and his coach spotted his talent and helped him elevate to a professional level.

Gurus & Role Models

Naksh practices at JP Skating Club under the supervision of his coach, Sanjay sir, whom he considers the ‘Dronacharya’ of this era. His coach requires him to work really hard and trains all the pupils thoroughly. He says that his trainer has coached him on an international skating track and has demonstrated to him numerous tactics for starting and finishing the race. His coach, Sanjay Sir, also trains him in strength and stamina building and takes all his pupils on trips to strengthen their mental abilities. Naksh also participates in other sporting activities such as swimming, cycling, and jogging. He looks up to Dhanush Babu, India’s fastest skater and Asian Games medallist. Naksh also aspires to win medals in the Asian Games like him.

The Talent

A speed skater, Naksh explains that Speed Skating consists of several types of events, including 100m, 200m, 500m, 1000m, and relay races. He thinks that it is a fascinating sport.

Achievements

Naksh is proud to have won two gold medals in district level 500m and 1000m races. He also won one silver and one bronze medal in the CBSE and RSFI state competitions. He then competed in national-level skating events in 2022 and 2023. He also received an award from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his public speaking.

A Bit More

Naksh says he gets up at 3 a.m. and skates from morning 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., followed by an hour or 20 kms of running. He explains that there are several district trials organized regularly, where participants can do well and qualify for state-level tournaments. He claims that after qualifying for the state level, there would be ten races before reaching the national level. He also delivers social speeches and participates in poetry competitions. When people enjoy his speech, he gets several requests to appear in programmes at large venues. He delivers talks on social issues like casteism, wealth inequality, and educational prejudice. Once, for his speech, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot presented him with the Ambedkar Society Award at Jhalana. The words "जब आंखों में अरमान लिया मंजिल को अपना मान लिया। फिर मुश्किल क्या आसान क्या जब ठान लिया तो ठान लिया।" inspire and encourage him greatly. He thinks that if we have an idea, we should pursue it with enthusiasm and dedication. He tells the other rising stars to avoid laziness and to work hard. He advises people to continue working hard and to be active and healthy.