Pune Skater Jinesh Nanal Felicitated for Winning the Prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award

To Represent India in World Skating Championship in China This August

Pune – In a proud moment for Maharashtra and the Indian skating fraternity, Pune’s own inline freestyle skater Jinesh Sheetal Satyan Nanal has been conferred with the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award 2023-24, one of the highest honors given by the Maharashtra Government for excellence in sports. Jinesh was recently felicitated in a heartwarming ceremony held by family and well-wishers to celebrate this significant achievement.

A Landmark Achievement in Skating

Jinesh Nanal has carved a golden chapter in Maharashtra’s sports history by becoming one of the few athletes in the state to be recognized for excellence in inline freestyle skating, a sport that demands agility, precision, and relentless practice. His award was presented during a grand event at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, where dignitaries like Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar were present.

Family Comes Together to Celebrate the Victory

To honor this proud moment, Jinesh was felicitated in the presence of his family members, including his mother Dr. Sheetal Satyan Nanal, father Dr. Satyan Nanal, Dr. Iqbal Sayyed, uncle Vishal Khathod (Jain), Ketan Nanal, Krish Khathod, and Vijay Baji, among others. The emotional celebration highlighted the deep pride and joy felt by his loved ones for his outstanding journey.

Eyes Set on the Global Stage

Adding to the momentum of his success, Jinesh has now been selected to represent India at the upcoming World Skating Championship, set to take place in China this August. This is not his first international stint—he previously brought home a silver and a bronze medal at the World Games Series held in Hong Kong, a global event conducted under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Years of Dedication Under Expert Guidance

Behind this extraordinary journey lies a decade of unwavering dedication and coaching. Jinesh has been training for the past ten years under the expert guidance of coach Ashutosh Jagtap, who has played a pivotal role in shaping his sporting excellence. Speaking about his protégé, Jagtap said,

“Jinesh’s success is the result of years of hard work, mental focus, and consistent efforts. He keeps pushing his limits and is a true role model for young skaters across India.”

Dominance at National and Asian Levels

Jinesh has consistently proven his mettle on national grounds as well, having secured the national championship title five consecutive times. He has also represented India at the Asian Games held in China, further strengthening his place on the international skating map. Currently, Jinesh ranks first in India and holds the seventh position globally in his sport—a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive arena.

Balancing Sports and Studies with Brilliance

A true all-rounder, Jinesh is also excelling in academics. He is currently pursuing his third year in Computer Engineering at MIT Vishwashanti University, Pune. He has been awarded a scholarship for his academic and sports excellence, proving that dedication and time management can lead to success on all fronts.

His mother, Dr. Sheetal Nanal, expressed her pride:

“Along with his sporting achievements, Jinesh has shown commendable dedication to academics. We are proud of the balance he maintains. It’s the result of his discipline and our belief in his potential.”

Aiming for Olympic Glory

Jinesh remains focused on his long-term goal—to win a medal for India at the Olympic Games. Receiving the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, he said,

“It was a moment of immense pride to receive the award from the honorable Governor and Chief Ministers. I’m grateful to my parents and coach for their constant support. The journey has just begun, and I aim to bring Olympic glory to India.”