India’s fastest and city star skater Nikhilesh Tabhane earned a slice of glory in Indian Speed Skating history along with , Vikram Ingale (Maharashtra) and Dhanush Babu (Karnataka) by winning two bronze medals in 3000 mtr track and 5000mtr road senior men relay events at 17th Asian Roller Skating Championships held in Lishui, China. This is the first time India has won international medals in senior men team at Asian Championship.
Nikhilesh Tabhane
The Indian trio shocked higher ranked contestants such as China, Iran, Indonesia and hong kong. South korea and chinese taipei won gold and silver respectively in the summit clash involving six team in the finals.
An engineer by profession, Nikhilesh (25) has been training at the Ameya Classic Club in Virar, Mumbai for the last couple of years. “I thank my parents, Shri Rajeevji Patil , Ameya Classic Club, my coach Pravin Deshpande. It wouldn’t have been possible without the blessings and support I got from my fans and friends, special thanks to them. It was great experience racing with my two teammates Vikram and Dhanush,” said elated Tabhane.
Nilkhilesh Tabhane ( Centre) with Vikram Ingale and Dhanush Babu after winning the Bronze medal at the 17th Asian Roller Skating Championships held in Lishui, China.
Team member Vikram said, “This is certainly the biggest achievement in India’s speed skating history. We have worked day and night to achieve this goal and it feels great. We only hope that this medal is going to boost the sport’s popularity back home,”