The National Roller Skating Championship 2025, hosted in Ernakulam, marked a significant milestone in India’s sporting calendar and firmly positioned the district as a rising hub for national-level sports events. The championship brought together some of the country’s finest roller skaters, representing multiple states, who competed with remarkable speed, skill, and determination. Held at a world-class skating facility in the district, the event showcased Ernakulam’s growing capability to host large-scale, professionally managed sports competitions. The championship witnessed intense contests across various age groups and categories, including speed skating, relay races, and endurance events. Athletes demonstrated exceptional technical precision, balance, and tactical awareness, thrilling spectators with close finishes and record-breaking performances. Coaches, officials, and sports authorities praised the high competitive standards, noting that the event played a vital role in identifying future national and international prospects. Ernakulam’s role as the host district added a unique charm to the championship. With its excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and enthusiastic local support, the district provided an ideal environment for athletes and visitors alike. The local administration, sports councils, and volunteers worked seamlessly to ensure smooth conduct, athlete safety, and international-standard arrangements. The event also attracted large crowds, including students and young aspiring skaters, inspiring a new generation to take up roller skating as a serious sport. Beyond competition, the championship contributed significantly to sports tourism and local economy. Hotels, transport services, and local businesses benefited from the influx of participants and supporters from across the country. Cultural programs and local hospitality further enriched the experience, allowing visitors to witness Ernakulam’s vibrant spirit alongside sporting excellence. Most importantly, the National Roller Skating Championship 2025 reinforced Ernakulam’s commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots and elite levels. It highlighted the district’s focus on youth development, fitness, and professional training facilities. The successful hosting of this prestigious event has strengthened Ernakulam’s reputation as a future destination for national and international sporting tournaments, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, pride, and sporting ambition.

Sportspersons often say that not winning a gold medal can still be a meaningful achievement if the effort, discipline, and spirit behind the performance are strong. A similar sentiment was reflected in the participation of former and active sportspersons in Kerala’s local body elections, where several athletes stepped into the political arena, including candidates from districts such as Ernakulam. Many of these sportspersons contested elections not merely with the aim of victory but to bring the values of sportsmanship—fair play, teamwork, perseverance, and discipline—into public life. Though only a few emerged successful at the ballot box, their participation itself was widely seen as commendable. It highlighted the growing willingness of athletes to contribute beyond stadiums and playing fields, using their public trust and leadership experience to serve communities. For several candidates, the election results mirrored competitive sport—success for some, disappointment for others, yet all gained valuable experience. Political analysts noted that sportspersons often face challenges such as limited political exposure, organizational backing, and voter outreach, despite their popularity. Still, their campaigns sparked conversations about cleaner politics, youth engagement, and value-based leadership. The involvement of sportspersons in the local body polls was viewed as a positive sign for democratic participation, reinforcing the idea that public service, like sport, is about commitment and effort as much as winning. Even without electoral victory, many candidates expressed determination to remain active in social work, grassroots development, and sports promotion in their respective regions.

KOCHI: The 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship, featuring the country’s top athletes, will begin on Monday at the Maharaja’s College Ground in Ernakulam. This will be the second time that the Kerala Athletic Association will be hosting the prestigious Federation meet — the previous occasion being in Kozhikode in 2021. A total of 580 athletes, including Olympians and current national record holders, will participate in the championship. Over 120 technical officials will oversee the competitions. As the meet serves as a crucial qualifier for the Asian Athletics Championship to be held in South Korea starting May 27, some of the top athletes are expected to participate. There are 38 finals scheduled across the event. The championship will open at 6 AM with the men’s 10,000-metre race, followed by the women’s event. Eight finals, including the 100 metres, will take place on the opening day. Members of the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) selection committee will be present to evaluate performances, said Kerala Athletic Association executive vice president Mercy Kuttan. Top contenders include Amoj Jacob, Manu TS and Muhammad Anas in the 400 metres; Jabir MP in the 400m hurdles; Kishore Kumar Jena and Sachin Yadav in javelin throw; Jeswin Aldrin in long jump; Tajinderpal Singh Toor in shot put; Abdullah Aboobacker and Praveen Chithravel in triple jump; Muhammad Afsal in the 800 metres; Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh, and Nitya Gandhe in the 100 metres; Jyothi Yarraji and Nithya Ramraj in the 100m hurdles; Vithya Ramraj in the 400m hurdles; Ancy Sojan and Shaili Singh in long jump; Pavithra Venkitesh and Maria Jaison in pole vault; and Sheena N V in triple jump. AFI representative Zakir Hussain said the preparations are fully complete and the competitions will be conducted as per international standards. The event will feature live broadcasting and for the first time, there will be digital electronic displays around the track.