When you think of sports in India, cricket dominates the conversation—so much so that it’s practically a religion.
But while the nation is busy worshiping at the altar of cricket, some remarkable athletes are carving out their own paths in less-celebrated disciplines.
One such athlete is Nishchay Luthra, a trailblazer in Indian figure skating. His journey showcases immense talent and a sprinkle of humor, proving that not all heroes wear cricket pads.
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Nishchay Luthra was born on March 9, 1999, in New Delhi, India. Growing up in a country where cricket often steals the limelight, he initially dabbled in more traditional sports like basketball, taekwondo, and cricket.
But at the age of 10, while most kids were mastering their three-pointers or perfecting their cricket swing, Nishchay decided to trade his sneakers for skates.
After an epic search for a coach, he found Vasudev Tandi, who taught him the basics of ice skating, allowing him to glide gracefully into a new world.
His competitive spirit shone early on when he attended the National India Ice Skating Camp in 2012.
Not one to shy away from competition, he dominated in both singles and pairs events, even representing India at the Asian Junior Championships and taking home first place.
Nishchay continued to rack up accolades, placing third at the Asian Figure Skating Championship in Hong Kong in 2013 and winning two silver medals at the National Ice Skating Championship.
He quickly became a figure to watch, turning heads not just for his skating prowess but also for his determination to elevate a sport that often gets overshadowed.
Despite the ups and downs, Nishchay's competitive spirit never dimmed. In 2016, he won two gold medals at the National Indian Ice Skating Championship and set his sights on representing India at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
However, fate had other plans, as he faced setbacks in qualifying for the 2017 World Championships. It’s almost like the universe had a cruel sense of humor, but Nishchay wasn’t ready to throw in the towel.
In 2018, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to train as a pair skater with Hilary Asher, guided by esteemed coaches Darlene Cain, Peter Cain, and Daniil Barantsev.
Just when things were looking promising, he broke his right knee during a practice session—proving that even the most graceful skaters can have a few missteps.
After being diagnosed with a severe lateral meniscus tear, he found himself back in India, contemplating his next move.
However, rather than wallowing in self-pity, Nishchay decided to put his recovery time to good use by founding LIFSA (Luthra International Figure Skating Academy).
This academy aims to develop figure skating as a sport in India and provide aspiring athletes with the resources and training they need to excel.
Nishchay served as the national coach for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, proving that even when life throws you a curveball, you can still help others shine.
His students have found success on national and international platforms, making him not just a skater but a coach with a heart of ice.
Nishchay’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of skaters is commendable. His academy focuses on creating a supportive environment where young athletes can learn and thrive.
He believes that developing a strong community of skaters is crucial for the growth of the sport in India, allowing it to gain traction beyond the confines of local ice rinks.
LIFSA’s impact is already evident, with many of his students competing successfully in both national and international events, proving that the ice is indeed getting a little less lonely.
Nishchay's dedication to the sport has led to an impressive list of achievements,
1. National Level - 9 Gold, 3 Silver
2. International Level - 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
He has represented India in various prestigious events, including,
Asian Junior Figure Skating Challenge (2012-13 and 2013-14) in Hong Kong
ISU World Development Trophy 2014 in Manila, Philippines
Labour Day Competition 2016 in Florida, USA
National Ice Skating Championships from 2011 to 2016, where he consistently earned gold and silver medals.
Nishchay Luthra’s story reflects the untapped potential in Indian sports, showcasing how success is not defined by conventional paths.
His journey—from national champion in figure skating to coach and founder of LIFSA—illustrates how passion, determination, and a bit of humor can carve new avenues for sporting excellence in India.
As Nishchay continues to pursue his dream of competing at the highest levels, he serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
With figures like him leading the charge, there’s a growing belief that India can excel in a diverse range of sports—far beyond its cricketing stronghold.
So, the next time someone mentions sports in India, remember - there's more than just cricket, there's a whole icy world waiting to be explored!
And who knows? The next Olympic star may just be a little skater from Delhi, gliding into our hearts—and the history books—one leap at a time.
Final Thoughts
Nishchay Luthra’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. In a country that overwhelmingly reveres cricket, his dedication to figure skating serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes from lesser-known sports.
From winning national and international accolades to founding his own academy and mentoring the next generation, Nishchay is not just making his mark on the ice but also on the broader landscape of Indian sports.
His journey is a reminder that success is not always about following the crowd but about creating your own path, even when the road is slippery.
By fostering talent through LIFSA and continuing his own pursuit of excellence, Nishchay has proven that the true spirit of sport lies in resilience, passion, and, yes, the occasional fall—because what’s skating without a few graceful recoveries?
In the years to come, as his students rise through the ranks, perhaps figure skating will finally find its rightful place in the Indian sports arena, and Nishchay Luthra will be remembered as the athlete who broke the ice for them all.
Edited by Keerthana Lingamallu
Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content, you can contact on this email address - keerthanalingamallu@gmail.com
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