Artistic roller skater from the city glides to fame

“Right from my childhood, I loved dancing. The emotions that one could reveal with a single movement mesmerised me. When I came to know about artistic skating, I found it exciting because the sport gave the chance to showcase emotions aesthetically,” says Sujanitha.

Artistic skating is a combination of art and athletics. In simpler terms, it is dancing on skates. “In that closed area, I feel free and alive than ever. This sport makes me feel beautiful and graceful, inside and out. It increases my self-confidence and self-esteem,” adds the youngster, who started artistic skating at the age of 9.

The 19-year-old has suffered multiple injuries over the course of 10 years in the sport. “The biggest one was my knee dislocation that happened a few weeks before the WorldChampionship in 2017. Though my coach asked me to take rest, I performed with the injured knee and ranked 27,” she reminisces.

Sujanitha has won more than 60 medals in district and state level tournaments, eight national medals and one international medalso far. Though the youngster faces tough competition during each tournament, she says that her primary objective was not to set new standards for others to follow. “Competitions have been a rewarding part of my life. When I wear my skates, I feel like I’m wearing a pair of wings. The movement and the gliding that my skates let me do make me feel like I’m flying. Skating has taught me to give my 100 per cent in everything I do — be it studies, music, dance, writing or even spending time with family and friends,” remarks the champion.