Pune: Mrugnayani Santosh Shinde, a young roller skater from Bhugaon, Mulshi Taluka, has made India proud by winning a bronze medal at the World Skate Games Championship 2024, held in Montesilvano near Rome, Italy.

Competing against top-tier international teams, Shinde's exceptional performance in the semi-finals against China secured India’s position on the podium.

Representing India, Mrugnayani showcased her best skills in a tightly contested match for third place against the Chinese team, where she led her squad to a commanding victory with a score of 127-39.

Her remarkable gameplay was instrumental in clinching the bronze medal, highlighting her as one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The World Skate Games Championship is a prestigious event organized every four years, attracting the best talent in roller sports from across the globe. This year’s championship saw participation from powerhouse teams, with the United States winning gold and Australia taking the silver.

The Indian roller skating derby team, comprising Mrugnayani Shinde, Vibha Muthekar, Shruti Sarode, and Vaidehi Sarode, delivered commendable performances, elevating India’s standing in the international arena.

Mrugnayani’s journey to the podium began at the Mahesh Bal Bhavan Skating Academy in Kothrud, where she honed her skills under the guidance of coaches Dheeraj Ubhe and Deepak Pawar.

Balancing her passion for skating with her academic pursuits, she is currently a third-year commerce student at BMCC College, having completed her schooling at MIT School in Pune.

Mrugnayani expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family, and the Indian National Roller Skating Federation for their support. “Winning the bronze at such a prestigious international event is a dream come true. I hope to continue bringing laurels to my country,” she said.