On the wheels..

Skating champ

Luqman Shaikh is a class X student of Dastur Boys School. He bagged both the gold as well as silver medal, in the 12 to 14 age group, at the Roller Skating Championship in Kolkata

Aditi Thirani

Luqman Shaikh, a class X student of Dastur Boys School has done his city proud. He has won the gold as well as silver medal, in the 12-14 age group, at the national level, in the Roller Skating Championship held in Kolkata from May 14 to 20.

This is Luqman’s fourth national award. He has won more than 15 gold medals and no less than 30 silver, besides 20 bronze. He has been skating from the age of six. He practices for two hours everyday and also finds time for studies. Luqman has scored 65% in class IX and is looking forward to his board exams next year. His mother Nasreen Samad says her son does find it difficult at times to juggle both studies and his passion. "He gets really tired after practice, so it’s quite difficult managing studies and skating," she says.

Luqman is being coached by Pushkar Kulkarni, Pune’s only trainer who has been appointed as the country’s international official fitness trainer for the coming Columbia Championship. Nasreen says, "Luqman is very dedicated to this sport and his sir feels proud of calling him his student." Luqman’s principal at school, Lily Patel, has also been very cooperative and helpful. "It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for her encouragement and support. After he finishes school, we are going to try for a college that gives him the support he enjoys at Dastur," says Nasreen.

After completing his class X, Luqman is looking forward to the international level Asians Championship, but is not looking to make a career out of this sport. "This is my hobby. I will continue it. Let’s see how things shape up later on," he says. "I am keen on becoming a dentist," says Luqman firmly. He likes unwinding by playing video games on his computer and football, which he indulges in, when he gets some time off from skating.

His father Abdul Samad is also proud of his son. Luqman’s elder brother Imran was also a skating champion. But, says Abdul, "He started late as compared to Luqman. He is now an engineer." To see that their son gets an opportunity at a global platform, Luqman’s parents are seeking permission for his participation in international events. Luqman with the help of all those around him is able to excel in a sport that the country is still getting used to. It certainly is a proud moment for his parents.