Uttarakhand: The International Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2026 has kicked off in grand style in the capital, Dehradun. Top skaters from 14 countries are participating in the event, which is being held at the Himadri Ice Rink. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the championship.
Myong-hi Chang, President of the Asian Skating Union, was present as a special guest on the occasion. The opening ceremony witnessed a unique blend of Indian culture and Asian unity. Notably, during the ‘One Asia, One Family’ anthem—prepared by the Indian Skating Association—athletes from 14 Asian nations conducted a grand march at the Himadri Ice Rink, carrying their respective national flags. The rink transformed into a vibrant international sports festival, adorned with flags from various countries and filled with the presence of the athletes.
देहरादून में एशियन ओपन शॉर्ट ट्रैक-स्पीड स्केटिंग ट्रॉफी-2026 के शुभारंभ पर प्रतियोगिता में प्रतिभाग कर रहे देश-विदेश के सभी खिलाड़ियों का उत्साहवर्धन किया और उन्हें उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन के लिए शुभकामनाएं दी।
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के कुशल नेतृत्व एवं मार्गदर्शन… pic.twitter.com/nMUbpF0Gmr
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 17, 2026
In addition to the host nation, India, athletes from several key countries across Asia and the region—including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Mongolia, and Malaysia—are participating in the championship. The competition features top-tier Asian skaters, including Olympians and Olympic medalists. Consequently, this event in Dehradun is considered crucial for Indian athletes, as a strong performance here will pave the way for future World Cup and Olympic qualification opportunities.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami remarked that hosting such a major international event in a Himalayan state like Uttarakhand is a significant achievement for both the state and the country. He noted that athletes from over a dozen Asian nations are showcasing their skills in Dehradun. The Chief Minister emphasized that this event is not merely a sports competition but also a symbol of cultural ties and harmony among nations. He added that the Himadri Ice Rink has now established itself as an international destination. Hosting such events here is opening doors to new opportunities for young athletes from across the country, alongside those from Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand is not limited to ice sports alone but is also advancing rapidly in the fields of water sports and other adventure sports. He remarked that the state is currently showcasing its potential as a global sports destination. The Chief Minister welcomed all the athletes, coaches, sports officials, and other representatives participating in the competition to India, and specifically to Uttarakhand.
