When figure skating made its debut at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Ladakh, it marked a significant moment for Abhijith Amal Raj from Kerala. Abhijith, a renowned artistic figure skater, clinched the gold in the men’s advanced figure skating category, achieving a personal milestone. His participation in the games signified a return to ice figure skating and a chance to compete on a national stage.
Abhijith’s journey in skating began at a very young age, starting formal lessons at three years old. Despite the rarity of ice skating in coastal Kerala, his father’s unwavering support and sacrifices enabled him to pursue his passion. Trained by notable coaches like Anup Kumar Yama and Luca d’Alisera, Abhijith’s career was shaped by financial struggles and dedication.
Before his success in roller skating, Abhijith had already made a mark in ice figure skating, winning titles nationally and internationally. His gold medal at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 marked his comeback to ice skating after a decade. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by niche sports like figure skating in India and his commitment to change the landscape.
Abhijith, along with his partner Vacasya Lakshmi Narayanan, founded Adler Vision to train future athletes in figure skating. The academy, based in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, focuses on developing young skaters for national competitions like Khelo India. By inviting international coaches and providing a platform for aspiring skaters, Abhijith aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and promote winter sports in India.
