By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Kalpana Kuttappa, one of India’s top roller skaters, whose determination and resilience have made her a role model for young women nationwide.

From humble beginnings in Mysuru to representing India on the global stage, Kalpana’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and unwavering support from family.

Born in Madikeri, Kodagu district, Kalpana moved to Mysuru at a young age for her schooling. Today, she is pursuing her B.A. (Corporate Economics) graduation at Women’s Christian College in Chennai, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for roller skating.

Her journey into the world of skating began at the age of four when her uncle gifted her a pair of roller skates. What started as a childhood hobby soon turned into a lifelong passion when her mother noticed a group of children practising at a rink and encouraged her to join skating classes.

Since then, Kalpana has never looked back. She has represented Karnataka and India in numerous national and international roller skating competitions, earning hundreds of medals along the way.

Her achievements include participating in the World Championship held in Italy in 2024 and attending an ice skating coaching camp in Bangkok in 2017. She also took part in the 13th National Ice Skating Championship in 2017.

She has probably not returned without a medal from the competitions she has taken part. This talented roller skater also represented India at the World Championship held in Italy from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2024. Currently, she is preparing for the Asian Championship to be held in South Korea from July 19-30.

Financial constraints

Kalpana’s journey, however, has not been without challenges. Coming from a middle class family, she has had to overcome financial constraints and a lack of institutional support. Her father, Mukkatira Subbaiah Ravi, works as a mechanic in Mysuru, while her mother, T.K. Swathi (Thathanda), is a manager at an auto spa company in Chennai.

Despite these hurdles, Kalpana’s family has been her pillar of strength, supporting her dreams every step of the way.

“The journey has been tough,” Kalpana says. “There is not much encouragement from the Karnataka Government, and roller skating is not yet recognised as an Olympic sport. Finding sponsors is also difficult, even after winning medals and accolades.”

Infrastructural challenges

Infrastructure remains a significant challenge for roller skaters in India. Mysuru, where Kalpana grew up, has only one skating rink for the entire city.

Seeking better opportunities, she moved to Tamil Nadu, where she found slightly more support from the State Government and a less politicised environment. “Hopefully, roller skating will be recognised as an Olympic sport in the future so that we get access to better infrastructure and facilities,” she says.

Kalpana’s dedication to her sport is unwavering. She trains for 8-9 skating sessions a week and spends time at the gym to build strength. Balancing her academics and training, she ensures she attends all her college classes before heading to practice in the evenings.

But Kalpana’s ambitions don’t stop at roller skating. She dreams of serving her country in another capacity — as an Officer in the Indian Army.

After her graduation, she plans to appear for the Combined Defence Examination (CDS) and get commissioned into the Indian Army. “It is always a pleasure to serve the country, whether as an athlete or an army officer. It’s a pride that everyone feels while serving the nation in different capacities,” she says.

Kalpana Kuttappa stands as a shining example of what women can achieve when they dare to dream and persevere against all odds. She inspires us to strive for greatness, not just on the rink, but in every arena of life.

Her story is a reminder that with determination, support and the right opportunities, women can break barriers and excel in any field they choose.