On a roll

Akash Ghai on six roller skaters who have netted success without a coach

IN a world of cut-throat competition, it is an arduous task for a sportsperson to excel in the international arena, especially without any professional training. Against all odds, six girls of Shah Satnam Ji Girls School and Shah Satnam Ji Girls College, Sirsa (Haryana), have won laurels for the country in the absence of a coach.

The "super six" — Ritu, Sonali, Yashdeep, Poonam, Sandeep and Parveen — have done well in many national and international roller skating championships.

In 2005, the girls, except Sonali, were part of the 10-member Indian team which took part in the 11th Asian Roller Championship in Korea. The team bagged a silver medal under the captaincy of Ritu. Yashdeep was named the best scorer as she netted nine goals in the championship.

In 2004-05, the Indian team, led by Sonali, won the bronze medal in the 10th Asian Roller Championship in Japan. Yashdeep and Ritu were also the part of the team.

At the national level these players have bagged several gold, silver and bronze medals.

How have they managed to perform so well without any coach?. "We started our practice on the roads of the town. Now we have a skating rink in our school," said Ritu.

Giving credit for their achievements to their spiritual guru, Sant Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh ji of Dera Sacha Sauda, the players said, "Guru ji provides us essential guidance about the game. We have been able to enjoy success because of his blessings".

The school and the college being run by the dera offer many facilities to these enthusiastic players, such as fee concession, extra diet and all travel expenses. Guru ji also honoured Sonali, Ritu and Yashdeep by presenting diamond-studded medals to them.

Impressed with the superb performance of the skaters, the Haryana Roller Skating Association has given its affiliation to the Shah Satnam Ji Sports Society, which looks after the affairs of the school and college, and has started treating it as an independent unit in competitions.

HOME