India's Fastest Long-Distance Ice Speed Skater
18 years on ice. From Ahmedabad to the Himalayas to the Netherlands. Competing for India where no one expected an Indian to be.
The Journey
Vishwaraj discovers ice speed skating in a country with virtually no winter sports infrastructure. Training on the only artificial rink available, largely alone, without a coach, without a pathway.
Relocates to the Netherlands to train under coach Wim Nieuwenhuizen. Olympic-standard long-track facilities. Self-funded. Representing a country that offered no support for winter sports.
Altitude training on the frozen lakes of Ladakh — Pangong (14,270 ft) and Tso Moriri (15,000 ft). First Indian to skate 5km on a natural frozen lake at 4,500m altitude. Injury before PyeongChang 2018 ends the Olympic dream, temporarily.
First TEDx talk on relentless pursuit and the art of solving enough problems to reach your goals.
Wins 4 medals competing against the world's best in multiple distances.
First Indian athlete to skate 100km nonstop on the frozen sea of Sweden.
Founds India's first elite winter sports mentorship academy and the Himalayan Argali lifestyle brand. 20 spots. The Himalayas as the training ground.
Competes at the Asian Winter Games. At 39, representing India in the men's 1500m and 5000m. Covered internationally by Xinhua, Borneo Post, and wire services worldwide.
Second TEDx talk. Theme: Echoes of the Phoenix. On belonging in places the world never designed for you.
In His Own Words
India's first elite winter sports mentorship academy — training on the frozen lakes of Ladakh and the Olympic tracks of the Netherlands. 20 spots. Applications opening soon.
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Where to Find Vishwaraj
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Training from the Netherlands. Ladakh expeditions. Race days. Behind OTI. The unfiltered 18-year career.
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