The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Ladakh witnesses the skills of India's top skaters, some of whom have trained and competed internationally. Pune's Shruti Kotwal, the country's first professional ice speed skater, is poised to showcase her talent at the Gupuks Pond in Leh.

For the 32-year-old Shruti, this event marks a special homecoming. As India's fastest ice speed skater, she made headlines in November 2022 by breaking the national record, completing a 500-meter race in an impressive 42.21 seconds, just two weeks before the AmCup 2022, the prestigious American championship for skaters who meet high qualifying standards. Shruti participated in the 2008 Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. Over the past decade, she has proudly represented India in various international tournaments. Remarkably, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 marks her return to the national stage after 15 years.

Commending the government's initiative in organizing a national-level event dedicated to winter sports, Shruti expressed her appreciation, stating, “Kudos to the government for conducting a national-level event specially dedicated to winter sports. KIWG has given us athletes an opportunity to showcase our talent on national soil, and I hope watching us will also inspire the next generation to take up speed skating.” 

Shruti is set to commence her campaign in Leh on Monday, February 5.

Shruti, specializing in long track speed skating, initially began her journey as a roller skater at the age of 10, a common starting point for many Indian skaters. However, her aspirations to compete in the Olympics led her to transition to ice skating.

Notably, Shruti holds the national records in long track speed skating for 500m, 1000m, and 1500m distances. Her remarkable achievements include securing gold medals in the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m events at the 2011 South Asian Winter Games. At the national level, she boasts an almost unbeatable record with five gold medals from various championships.

In 2012, Shruti Kotwal received a scholarship from the International Skating Union (ISU) to undergo training at the Kia Speed Skating Academy in Germany, marking her first international camp. Throughout her journey, Shruti has enjoyed unwavering support from her family.

At the Khelo India Winter Games 2024, Shruti will be competing in her specialty, the 500m race, as she harbors aspirations of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Currently training in the United States under the guidance of coach Mitchell Whitmore, a three-time Olympian, Shruti draws inspiration from training alongside top-class international skaters.

However, the path to Olympic qualification in long-track speed skating presents challenges. Participation in an International Skating Union (ISU) affiliated competition in an Olympic-sized rink is a prerequisite. Meeting specific timing standards is crucial for Olympic qualification, with the Netherlands and the USA currently dominating the field in long-track speed skating.

Shruti brings ample international experience to her pursuit, having represented India at the 2017 Asian Games in Japan and the Asian championships in China and Kazakhstan. Her most recent international outing was at the America (Am) Cup last year.

“I am the first long-track speed skater from India who is trying to qualify for the Olympics. My focus is on training, participating in more races, and improving my timings to give my hundred percent and be ready for the 2026 Olympics,” she said.

Shruti acknowledges positive changes in the winter sports sector in India, particularly in ice skating. She notes the evolution from just one rink in Shimla to the availability of facilities in almost all states. Notably, winter sports athletes now emerge from the plains, showcasing the expanding reach of winter sports in the country.

 “Although India is a tropical country, winter games athletes should train throughout the year so that when the season arrives they can give their best,” Shruti signed off.
Despite India's tropical climate, Shruti emphasizes the importance of year-round training for winter game athletes. This approach ensures they are ready to deliver their best performances when the season arrives. Shruti concludes by expressing her happiness at witnessing the growth of winter sports in India and the increasing opportunities for athletes in the sector.