Shruti Kotwal, India’s first professional woman speed skater, is gearing up to represent the country in the Asian Winter Games (AWG) in Harbin, China, scheduled from February 7 to 14.
With her sights firmly set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Shruti is aiming to achieve the challenging qualification standards required for the prestigious global event.
The upcoming AWG will provide Shruti with the opportunity to compete against some of the best speed skaters in the world. She is focusing on the 500m and 1000m events, where the qualification times are extremely demanding.
Shruti’s current Indian national record for the 500m stands at 41.97 seconds, and she needs to break the 40-second mark to secure her Olympic spot.
Speaking to SAI Media, Shruti expressed her determination to meet these standards. She acknowledged the difficulty of the task but remains focused on continuous improvement. This will be Shruti’s second appearance at the AWG, having competed in the 2017 edition held in Japan.
Shruti highlighted the high level of competition she will face from countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, which consistently produce world-class skaters.
Having competed against some of these athletes in previous events, she is well aware of their strengths and sees this as an opportunity to push her own limits further.
Shruti’s preparation has been bolstered by her training at the Utah Olympic Oval in the United States, a world-class facility that was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. She credits her time at the Oval for enhancing her technique, endurance, and speed.
The advanced training methodologies, exposure to top-level coaches, and competitive environment have played a crucial role in shaping her performance.
The 2025 Asian Winter Games will mark a historic moment for Indian speed skating, with the largest-ever contingent of 41 athletes, including skaters and support staff, representing the country.
This is a significant leap from 2017, when only three Indian athletes participated. Shruti sees this growth as a positive sign for the future of the sport in India.
Shruti is also looking forward to competing in the upcoming Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Ladakh, which begin on January 23. She has praised the Khelo India initiative as an essential platform for young skaters aspiring to make their mark on the international stage.
Reflecting on her own experience, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by such events and noted how they help promote the sport among the younger generation.
The Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh will feature skating events at the NDS Stadium and Gupuks Pond in Leh, with around 150 ice speed skaters expected to participate.
Shruti, who delivered standout performances in her debut at the Games last year, believes such platforms are vital for nurturing talent and growing India’s presence in international winter sports.
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