Nine-time national champion Jinesh Nanal conferred with Maharashtra's top sports award

Indian Express

03-05-2025

Twenty-year-old Jinesh Nanal, who ranks first in India and eighth globally in Inline Freestyle Skating, has added another feather to his cap by receiving Maharashtra's highest sporting honour, the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award 2023-24. The award, presented at Balewadi stadium recently, recognises Nanal's journey from a four-year-old attending skating classes to a nine-time national champion who recently clinched silver and bronze medals at the World Games Series in Hong Kong.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Jinesh said, 'When I was four years old, my grandmother used to take me to skating classes as an extra-curricular activity. But gradually my interest evolved, and I started training professionally by the age of 11. Since the beginning, I have been training under coach Ashutosh Jagtap and uncle Dr Iqbal Sayed at the Maharashtra Mandal in Mukundnagar.'
'A typical day comprises around six hours of training, which includes off-skate exercise of two hours, and the rest time is spent in studies and rest. While on weekends, the training time increases. I've always taken care of my diet and made consistent efforts even on days when I had no motivation to train, which has been well-rewarding. The success so far is because my family, friends, sponsors and the government, who have always been supportive in aiding my preparation for this lesser-known sport in India,' said Nanal.
Considering the high-pressure situations, nervousness and the fear of failure during competitions, Nanal emphasises believing in one's training and hard work they have put in. 'By meditating, I take care of my mindfulness and by considering any competition as a normal routine test without taking any stress, it has helped me win major competitions,' he said.
However, Jinesh highlights the lack of sports infrastructure in the country. 'Despite being a metropolitan city, Pune still does not have wooden surface skating courts that are used at the World Games. If the government focuses and invests in the sports infrastructure, we can train and be well prepared to compete at a global level. Also, by helping budding sportspersons financially and with sports equipment, India may see a rise in the hidden potential,' said Jinesh.
Considering Inline Freestyle Skating, Jinesh currently ranks first in India and eighth in global rankings and has won the national championship titles nine times in a row. Recently, he has won a silver and a bronze medal at the World Games Series 2024 held in Hong Kong, held under the International Olympic Committee and will be representing the country at the upcoming World Games in China, which is to be held in August.
Along with his excellence in sports, Jinesh has been equally good in academics. 'Jinesh is currently studying in the third year of Computer Engineering at the MIT World Peace University, Kothrud. Over the years, he has managed his studies well, balancing his love for sports and now aspires to win at the upcoming World Games,' said Sheetal Nanal, Jinesh's mother, who is a practising doctor.