India celebrated an unexpected and pleasant surprise on Monday as its roller skaters clinched two bronze medals in the men's and women's 3000m team relay events at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. This achievement matched India's best-ever performance at the Hangzhou Games. The women's team, comprising Sanjana Bathula, Karthika Jagadeeswaran, Heeral Sadhu, and Aarathy Kasturi Raj, set the stage by securing a bronze with a timing of 4:34.861s.
They finished behind gold medalists Chinese Taipei (4:19.447) and South Korea (4:21.146). Later, the men's team, consisting of Aryanpal Singh Ghuman, Anandkumar Velkumar, Siddhant Kamble, and Vikram Ingale, sealed a second bronze with a timing of 4:10.128, with Chinese Taipei (4:05.692) and South Korea (4:05.702) claiming the top two spots.
The roller skaters' success also evoked memories of their previous achievements at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games when they secured two bronze medals in men's free skating and pairs skating events. As India continues to make its mark on the international sports stage, these unexpected victories in roller skating add to the nation's growing list of achievements.
The roller skaters' remarkable performance showcases their dedication and talent, and it is a testament to the hard work put in by both athletes and their support teams. It highlights the potential for India to excel in a wider range of sports and encourages the development of roller skating as a discipline in the country. With these medals, India's contingent at the Hangzhou Asian Games can take pride in their contributions to the nation's sporting achievements and aspirations for future success.