Skater Tiluck scripts history with international bronze
Source: Chronicle News Service / Rajachandra Mutum
Imphal, October 11 2024:
Tiluck Keisham, a 16-year-old skater with roots in Manipur, has etched his name in history by winning a bronze medal at the SEA Open Short Track Speed Skating Championship held in Pasay City, Manila, Philippines, in September 2024 .
His achievement is significant as ice skating is a relatively unexplored sport for athletes in his home state Manipur.
Tiluck's success adds another feather to the state's sporting achievements, which has seen several athletes bring laurels to India in various disciplines.
Born to Ricky Keisham and Pravabati of Keishampat Aheibam Leikai, Tiluck has been residing in Delhi since early childhood.
His journey into sports began in 2013 at the age of five years, when he ventured into roller sports after being inspired by seeing people skate in the park.
His dedication and passion were evident early on, as within six months, Tiluck secured a bronze medal in the 300 -metre race at the 8th Roller Sports Race in Delhi.
The same year, he amassed 13 medals in various national competitions, including five gold and seven silver.
Over the years, Tiluck's consistent excellence has earned him a total of 79 medals in roller, slalom, and artistic skating.
His record includes 63 gold, eight silver, and eight bronze medals, earned under the tutelage of coaches Seityam and Ravi Dhillon.
He made his international debut at the SEA Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy in Singapore in 2023.His recent bronze medal in Manila stands as a testimony to his hard work and perseverance.
Despite his success, Tiluck has faced numerous challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to take a break from sports.
Post-pandemic, he resumed training in ice skating under coach Ravi Dhillon.
However, he admitted that balancing studies and sporting ambitions has been difficult.
A student of Bluebells School International in Delhi, currently in the XI standard, Tiluck is also preparing for his junior engineer coaching classes at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon.
Tiluck's journey in sports has been supported by his family, but the financial strain has been a significant hurdle.
Competing in international events requires an estimated Rs 4 lakh for preparation and participation, whereas regular practice sessions cost Rs 800 to Rs 1000 per hour.
By practicing twice a week, his monthly training expenses range between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, making it a costly pursuit.
He mentioned that while the coaching and equipment he use are sufficient for national competitions, they fall short of international standards.
He recalled how a coach from the Philippines advised him to upgrade his equipment, which ultimately contributed to his success in Manila after he trained under the said coach for a week prior to his international bronze.
Tiluck credits his achievements to his parents, coaches, and well-wishers, but he also expressed disappointment that he has to represent Delhi rather than his home state of Manipur.
He pointed out that Manipur lacks the necessary infrastructure and an association for ice skating but expressed strong belief that with proper support and facilities, Manipur could produce more athletes in this emerging sport.
Apart from his sporting accomplishments, Tiluck has excelled academically, having won a gold medal in the 6th International English Olympiad and a silver medal in the International Handwriting Olympiad.
He has also made three entries in the Guinness Book of World Records and two in the Limca Book of Records for his accomplishments in roller sports.
Looking ahead, Tiluck's ultimate dream is to represent India at the Olympics, although he acknowledged the many challenges that lie ahead.
Nevertheless, his determination and drive continue to inspire, making him a role model for young athletes across the country.
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