At the age of just 22, Arun Kumar Rayudu has already achieved so much in the skating world. He is an Asian Silver Medalist, ranked Asian No.2 in the senior category and world No.5 in the under-19 category. He has been a national champion for the last 13 years. He has been playing for Team India since 2014.

In this exclusive interview, he talks about his early interest in the sport, dealing with injuries and asthma, his memorable achievements and future goals.

Q 1) How did your journey begin in figure skating and who inspired you to take up skating as a sport?

My relationship with skating started at a very young age when I was 3 years old. As a child speed thrilled me and while traveling in a car I would look at people moving forward at a pace faster than we can go while showing no sign of running. It intrigued me and I immediately asked my parents to get me whatever it is that’s making people move that way and that is when they enrolled me in a skating academy. At that age, there was no one in particular who inspired me to take up sport but later on, in my life I have taken inspiration from many people who have helped me grow and learn many good things in life.

Q2) What are some of the challenges you faced in your journey and ultimately how did you overcome them?

Injuries are very challenging and I have had three injuries. A right shoulder dislocation, A left shoulder dislocation and a ligament tear in the right leg. The major one out of the three was in 2018 when I dislocated my shoulder and I was out of training for about 6 months. That was a dark time for me because not being able to do what we love doing never gets easy. I had to abandon all kinds of physical activities to promote an early recovery and I couldn’t take part in competitions. I consulted many doctors and most of their suggestions implied I can never skate again the way I used to as it involves a lot of gymnastics and that would cause strain on the injured muscle. Emotionally I was in a vulnerable place and giving up would have been an easy thing to do but I did not. We all must fight for what we love, that is what proves the love. My love for the sport and my willingness to make my country proud helped me push through the dark times. Like the light at the end of a tunnel, a doctor I consulted in Hyderabad gave me hope that there’s a possibility for me to recover fully and be the roller-skater I used to be. I held the hope tight to my chest and worked hard to get better and in the form that I am today.

Another challenge was having Asthma since birth which has always been a big struggle. I couldn’t enjoy a cold drink or a single scoop of ice cream without feeling like I am running out of breath. Naturally, I’ve consulted many doctors and one of them suggested I take up a sport or any activity that involves physical strength as it aids in improving the lung capacity and taking up skating did help with keeping my asthma in control and staying physically fit. But me having asthma gave my competitors an edge over me because they could practice for longer durations than I could and most of the national championships were held in the months of December and January when the cold is at its peak in the north part of India and I am more prone to have asthma attacks in the cold. The other struggle was that I had to travel 30 kms through public transport for my training twice a day which would result in me traveling about 120 kms every day which took up a lot of my day leaving not much time for anything else. It was quite stressful but none of that stopped me from bending over backwards, to do all I can and give my very best that’s possible in making India proud.

Q3) What are the most memorable achievements in your life and why?

Almost all of my achievements are memorable and close to my heart because I have worked hard and tried to give out my best in all those competitions.  But if I had to pick one, then it would be my first international medal in the year 2016 in China where I got a silver medal at the Asian championship. With my first international medal in my hand, watching our Indian flag rise up was very special. That moment gave me goosebumps and it is something I am gonna cherish for my whole life. I'm really proud of what I could achieve for my country and for myself.

Q4) You came 5th in the World Roller Games, what was the experience like and how proud were you of your achievement?

It was a great learning experience. The exposure we get at the world championship is on another level as we get to see and skate alongside world champions. I loved each and every moment of that championship and yes I am very proud of my achievement that I could place my country in the top 5. 

Q5) Your Asia ranked no 2 and World number 5 in the under 19 category, so what are your future goals and ambition? And how do you plan to accomplish them?

My future goals right now are to participate in the Asian Games, World and Asian championships and try to give out my best in all those and make my country proud. 

Q6) What do you think needs to be done to get more Indians to participate in skating?

So basically skating is a European sport and many people in India don’t know about it. So I feel there should be more promotion and general people in India should be made aware of our sport and how beautiful and nice it is to watch. The Government should support our sport and treat it like they treat other sports.

Also read: My aim is to take part in the World Championship: Rea Elizabeth Achaiah