Hema Toppo, a 10-year-old daughter of a brick kiln labourer and a maid, will be representing Jharkhand at the 16th National Skating league Championship in Goa that will be held from April 28 to 30.
Studying in St Xavier’s School with the assistance of some well wishers, she was inspired by the outstanding performance of Rajesh Kumar Ram, a bronze medalist of the Checker’s Cup Inline International Speed Skating Championship, Shenzhen in 2012. Similar to Hema, Rajesh hails from a Below Poverty line (BPl) family. He is now a senior school skater and pursuing Class XII studies at Sapphire International School through a scholarship.
“Two years back, when I first saw Rajesh bhaiya practicing on our school ground, I decided to learn skating. Since then, our coach Sumit sir has left no stone unturned in improving my skills. I am excited to host my native state at the national level,” Hema said before going for her daily evening practice in her school on Thursday.
Asked about her ambition, she said, “It is skating. My father Sunny Toppo is working in Kolkata and mother Sumari Toppo works here. I want to make my parents and brother proud. Skating would be the best career to shine my family’s name.” Interestingly, Rajesh and Sumit were seen pointing the girl on focusing her balance on the skates. “I am proud that after me there is someone to continue the trend of skating at a young age,” said Rajesh.
“Born in an economically weak family it was not easy to chase my passion for skating since 2005. However, people came forward for help. Today, I am able to study in a reputed school and continue skating without any hassle,” added the senior skater.
According to Sumit, Hema has the potential to be like Rajesh in the next few years. “Presently, her speed on skates is 36 seconds and 22 milliseconds. Rajesh performs in 32 seconds. It clearly indicates Hema’s chances of winning a medal for Jharkhand in the upcoming tournament,” the Skating Coach pointed.
Besides, Hema, seven city school students namely Tanmay J Kachhap, Shashank Kerketta, H Nadeem, Nayan Raj, Priti Raj, Shreyash Kulkarni and Zainab are also selected for the Championship. Hema, H Nadeem and Nayan would contest in the 8-10 years age group. Shreyash and Zainab will play in the 4-6 years age group. Shashank and Tanmay will play in the 6-8 years category. Priti will perform in the 10-12 years age group.
In order to boost the needy girl, St Xavier’s School Principal Father Ajit Kumar Xess along with Jharkhand Olympic Association Office Secretary Shivendu Dubey felicitated her with a cash award of `10,000, flight tickets for the tournament and track suit. With the rise of budding skaters in the city, Coach Sumit has requested Dubey to affiliate the Jharkhand State Skating Association under Indian Olympic Association (IOA).