Indian roller skater Aarathy Kasturi Raj defied the odds to secure a historic bronze medal at the Asian Games. Her journey was riddled with challenges, including a harrowing injury in May that left her with 20 cuts requiring 26 stitches to heal. Thanks to the unwavering support of her physician mother, Aarathy made a remarkable recovery in time for the continental event. Now, having accomplished her sporting goal, Aarathy will join her mother in managing their hospital.
Aarathy’s injury occurred while training, just four months before the Asian Games. Despite the frightening incident, she remained unfazed and quickly underwent rehabilitation under her mother’s care. Reflecting on the experience, Aarathy shared the details of her injury, stating, ‘I had a scary incident on May 26 this year and I had 26 stitches. There were deep cuts on my forehead.’ She further explained that she started training on the bike and underwent rehab to regain her strength.
Aarathy’s passion for skating began at the age of seven, supported by her parents who wanted her to engage in sports. It was her mother, a gynaecologist, who played a significant role in nurturing Aarathy’s talent. Over the years, Aarathy has competed in various national and international events, earning more than 100 medals and reaching a career-high ranking of fifth in the world. Despite the risks associated with the sport, Aarathy expressed that injuries are a part of any sport.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Aarathy followed in her mother’s footsteps academically. She recently completed her MBBS from SRM Medical College in Chennai and also holds a Masters in Clinical Embryology. Aarathy has already joined her mother in managing their hospital, temporarily taking a break for the Asian Games. When asked about balancing her studies and sport, Aarathy acknowledged the challenges but credited her family and husband for their support.
For training, Aarathy spends two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Prior to the Asian Games, special permission was granted to extend her training hours. Aarathy’s dedication to her sport is further reinforced by the fact that she continued pursuing her passion even after getting married to Tamil Nadu cricketer Sandeep Warrier in 2019. She expressed gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support.
Reflecting on her bronze medal win, Aarathy emphasized the payoff of her 22 years of skating and expressed happiness for the younger players in the team who performed admirably. However, she lamented the fact that roller skating is not recognized as an Olympic sport. Nevertheless, Aarathy believes that winning the bronze medal will create more opportunities for roller skaters in India, raising the sport’s profile.
In conclusion, Aarathy Kasturi Raj’s journey from a harrowing injury to winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games is a true testament to her determination and resilience. With the unwavering support of her mother, she overcame significant challenges to achieve her sporting goal. Aarathy’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the crucial role that supportive families play in an individual’s success.
