Mumbai: Cop-couple’s son skates his way to national glory | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: In a feat that has brought pride to the Brihanmumbai Police force, the 10-year-old son of two serving police personnel has clinched a gold and a bronze medal at the 69th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Skating Championship. Om Sainath Shinde won the medals in the under-11 category at the national tournament held recently at ITM Global School, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The championship featured top young skaters from across the country and followed a rigorous, multi-tier selection process. Only the top three skaters from each state qualified for the national meet after successive rounds of selection at the district level, where three skaters were chosen from each district, followed by further shortlisting at the zonal level within cities. The competition proved particularly demanding for the Mumbai-based skater. While accustomed to the city’s humid climate, Om competed in temperatures ranging between 8°C and 10°C in Gwalior. Despite the cold conditions, he maintained technical control and consistency to secure podium finishes. Om’s mother, Bhagyeshri Sainath Shinde, said her son follows a demanding daily routine. “His skating practice starts at 3.30 am. He returns by 6 am, and then attends regular school from 8 am to 3 pm. Even after that, he goes for swimming or other physical training,” she said. Both parents serve with the Brihanmumbai Police and work in shifts—Bhagyeshri on day duty and Om’s father, Sainath Kashinath Shinde, on night duty. She said managing her son’s schedule has been challenging, particularly with additional responsibilities linked to ongoing municipal election duties. “It is difficult to keep up, but we find time to support him,” she said. Bhagyeshri credited her son’s focus and the guidance of his coach, Raj Singh, for his success at the national level. “He is determined to win an Olympic medal for India, and this victory has made him even more focused,” she added.