In a landmark moment for Indian roller sports, 21-year-old Shreyasi Joshi clinched the gold medal in the Inline Freestyle – Classic Slalom category at the 2025 Asian Roller Skating Championships held in Seoul. With this victory, she becomes the first Indian ever to stand atop the podium in this highly competitive event, marking a new era for the sport in the country.
A Performance Etched in Gold
Joshi scored a remarkable 83.33 points in the senior women’s category, outperforming seasoned international competitors with a routine that judges and spectators alike described as “flawless, elegant, and high-risk.” The win triggered a wave of celebration across India’s sporting community, with the Khelo India initiative and fellow athletes hailing her as a national inspiration.
“This gold isn’t just mine,” Joshi said after her win. “It belongs to every skater in India who dared to dream.”
From Pune Streets to Asian Glory
Hailing from Pune, Shreyasi laced up her first pair of skates at just three years old, training alongside her sister Swarali Joshi, a nine-time national champion. The duo quickly made waves on the national circuit, bagging medals before they turned six. At just 12, Shreyasi competed in her first international event at the World Roller Games 2017 in China.
Since then, she has claimed 10 national titles in inline freestyle and carved a niche for herself as India’s undisputed queen of slalom skating.
A Win That Goes Beyond the Podium
More than a personal milestone, Joshi’s victory represents a pivotal moment for India’s largely underrepresented skating community. Her gold has sparked interest in the sport across the country, inspiring a new generation of athletes who see roller sports as a serious competitive pursuit, not just a hobby.
Local media in Pune called the win “a golden leap for Indian skating,” while international skating forums praised her for bringing flair and originality to the Asian stage.
What’s Next for the Trailblazer?
With eyes now set on the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, and the 2027 Asian Championships, which India is slated to host, Shreyasi is training with renewed focus and national expectations. She continues to hone her craft in Pune, supported by a close-knit coaching team and an expanding fan base.
As roller sports inch closer to global recognition, Shreyasi Joshi stands as the face of India’s rise—graceful, determined, and unapologetically bold.