In a momentous occasion for the city’s sports community, two skilled skaters from Pune, Arhant Rajendra Joshi and Shrutika Jayant Sarode, are set to be honored with Maharashtra’s most prestigious sports award, the ‘Shiv Chhatrapati Award’. The ceremony, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will take place at Balewadi Stadium on Monday.
Arhant Rajendra Joshi, an adept freestyle skater with over a decade of practice and competition, has made remarkable strides in the field. His accomplishments include participation in the 18th Asian Roller Skating Championship held in Namwon, Korea in 2018, and the Spain World Roller Games in Barcelona in 2019. In the previous year, Arhant secured a gold medal in the score-based event ‘Classic Shalom’ and a bronze medal in the time trial-based speed slalom in the Inline Freestyle Skating category at the Indian Roller Games Championship held in Mohali, Punjab.
Shrutika Jayant Sarode, a dedicated skater for the past 17 years, has represented India in both World and Asian Championships. With a collection of over 100 medals and trophies, her achievements are truly commendable. Shrutika’s participation includes the 18th Asian Roller Skating Championship in Namwon, Korea in 2018, and the World Freestyle Skating Championship in Taipei, Taiwan in 2013.
The ‘Shiv Chhatrapati Award’ stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and exceptional achievements in the realm of skating. This recognition not only honors their individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration to the aspiring athletes of Pune and the entire state.
The award ceremony at Balewadi Stadium symbolizes the acknowledgment and appreciation of the tireless efforts and dedication that Arhant Rajendra Joshi and Shrutika Jayant Sarode have invested in their skating journey. Their achievements showcase the prowess and potential that Pune’s sports community holds, and their recognition on this prestigious platform will undoubtedly motivate and encourage fellow athletes to pursue excellence in their respective disciplines.
