Young Himachal Skater Samarth Atri Calls On CM Sukhu Before Asian Trophy Championship

Shimla : Promising young ice skater Samarth Atri called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla to seek his blessings before representing India at the prestigious Asian Short Track Ice Skating Trophy 2026.

Hailing from Bhoranj tehsil in Hamirpur district, Samarth has been selected for the Indian national squad following his stellar performance at the 21st National Short Track Ice Skating Championship and subsequent national training camps. The international tournament is scheduled to take place in Dehradun.

A Class X student at Auckland House School, Shimla, Samarth has undergone rigorous training at the historic Shimla Ice Skating Rink for over six years. Congratulating the athlete, Chief Minister Sukhu lauded his dedication, stating that his selection on the international stage brings immense pride to Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s commitment to expanding modern sports infrastructure and upgrading training facilities across the hill state. He noted that boosting incentives, enhancing travel allowances, and building quality arenas will enable young sportspersons to excel in national and international arenas while steering the youth toward healthy lifestyles.

Wishing Samarth success in the upcoming Asian championship, Sukhu expressed confidence that the young skater will deliver an outstanding performance and bring laurels to both the nation and the state. Senior state officials and sports representatives also commended Samarth’s achievement, citing it as an inspiration for emerging winter sports talent across the region.