Shruti Kotwal, India's first professional female speed skater, is making significant strides as she prepares for two major events in 2025: the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in Ladakh and the Asian Winter Games (AWG) in Harbin, China. With her eyes set on achieving Olympic qualification for the 2026 Winter Games, Shruti is currently undergoing intensive training at the Utah Olympic Oval in the United States, one of the world's premier speed skating facilities.
The 33-year-old from Pune has been a trailblazer in Indian winter sports, carving a niche for herself in a discipline that has seen limited representation from the country. At KIWG 2024, she delivered standout performances in her debut appearance, earning accolades and showcasing her potential. This year, she is poised to lead India’s charge at AWG, which will be held from February 7–14, with a strong contingent of 41 athletes, including speed skaters and their support staff. Notably, this is India’s largest representation in AWG history, a significant leap from the three athletes who competed in the 2017 edition in Japan, which also included Shruti.
Reflecting on her upcoming AWG participation, Shruti shared her excitement and resolve: "This will be my second Asian Winter Games, and I’m thrilled to compete again. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and China consistently produce strong skaters who are technically and physically exceptional. I've faced some of these competitors in previous events and understand their strengths. It's a tough field, but I see every race as an opportunity to push my limits and improve my own performance."
Shruti's training regimen in the United States has been pivotal to her development. The Utah Olympic Oval, built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, offers world-class coaching, advanced training techniques, and one of the fastest ice tracks globally. "Training in the US has been a game-changer. The exposure to elite skaters and the competitive environment have significantly improved my technique, endurance, and speed. Competing and training alongside some of the best in the world has pushed me to refine my skills and focus on the finer details of the sport," she said.
Her immediate goal is to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics by meeting the challenging timing requirements of sub-40 seconds for the 500m and under 1:20 for the 1000m events. With a national record of 41.97 seconds in the 500m, Shruti is determined to bridge the gap. "I’m focusing on the 500m and 1000m events for Olympic qualification. The timing requirements are incredibly challenging, but I believe with consistent effort and the right training, I can achieve them," she explained.
The Khelo India Winter Games, set to begin on January 23, 2025, in Ladakh, have been instrumental in nurturing talent and promoting winter sports in India. Shruti lauded the initiative, stating, "KIWG brings everybody together and promotes the sport. We didn’t have such opportunities when I started, and I think today’s skaters are very fortunate." The event will feature over 150 ice speed skaters competing at venues like the NDS Stadium and the Gupuks Pond in Leh.
With at least 24 nations expected to compete at the AWG, the stage is set for Shruti and the Indian team to showcase their talent on a global platform. As a pioneer in Indian speed skating, Shruti Kotwal remains a beacon of inspiration, determined to push boundaries and elevate the profile of winter sports in India. Her journey underscores the potential of Indian athletes to excel on the international stage, even in unconventional disciplines.
