Indian athelete Vir Gahrotra scripted history for India by winning the nation’s first-ever gold at the Pole and Aerial Sports World Championship in Budapest. Competing in the Junior B Amateur Men – Aerial Silks category, the 16-year-old executed a flawless routine that combined strength, agility, and artistry, leaving judges impressed and setting a benchmark for India on the global stage.
Facing participants from over 40 countries, Gahrotra demonstrated seamless transitions, precise execution, and remarkable poise under pressure, scoring the highest in his category. His performance not only secured the top podium position but also marked India’s historic debut in the championship, a contest long dominated by European and Eastern European nations.
Aerial silks, one of the most physically demanding disciplines in aerial sports, requires athletes to perform complex manoeuvres while suspended in the air, demonstrating flexibility, strength, and technical mastery.
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The championship, held under the aegis of the Pole and Aerial Sports Association (POSA), featured multiple categories, including Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Artistic, and Pole Sport. Participants competed across age and skill divisions, vying for medals and recognition on the world stage. India’s debut saw promising performances across several categories, reflecting the growing interest and institutional support for aerial sports within the country.
“This debut marks a powerful beginning for India at POSA. Our students have trained tirelessly, and witnessing them perform with confidence and excellence on a global stage is deeply inspiring,” said the team coach. The contingent benefitted from months of preparation, under the guidance of experienced coaches and support staff, highlighting the collective effort behind Gahrotra’s success.
While Gahrotra’s gold was the highlight for India, the championship continued to showcase Pole Sport events and other aerial disciplines, with athletes from across the globe displaying high levels of creativity, athleticism, and technical skill. The competition not only celebrated individual brilliance but also contributed to the growing global footprint of aerial sports.
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