Vishwaraj Jadeja: The Rajput Spirit Fueling India's Ice Skating Dreams
Renowned Indian ice skater Vishwaraj Rajen Jadeja once overheard a conversation that would define his career. His coach, Wim Nieuwenhuizen, was speaking with someone in the Netherlands in Dutch. When asked if Jadeja was talented, Wim replied, "No, he is not but is a Rajput. They don't give up no matter what." This statement has proven prophetic over the last 18 years that Jadeja has dedicated to ice skating.
Royal Roots and Modest Beginnings
Vishwaraj Jadeja hails from the Dhrol family, which once ruled a small kingdom in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat. His ancestral palace now functions as a school for women, charging only a nominal fee as part of the family's empowerment initiative. However, having royal lineage did not translate to wealth for Jadeja. Born in 1985, fourteen years after the formal abolition of royalty in India in 1971, he experienced a modest upbringing where many privileges had been withdrawn by the government.
Despite financial constraints, Jadeja, now 40, never prioritized money above all else. He embraced his grandfather's advice wholeheartedly: "Money comes and goes. Pursue some sport and excel at that. These things stay with you forever." This philosophy has guided his journey in the elite world of ice skating.
A Career Forged in Perseverance
Jadeja moved to Europe in the late 2000s to pursue a career in ice skating, and today, he stands as India's most decorated ice skater. Over the years, he has set multiple national records. Among his remarkable achievements, he unofficially became the only person to ice-skate five kilometers at an altitude of 4500 meters at Tso Moriri Lake in 2019.
His accomplishments continued with three silver medals and a bronze at the Winter World Masters Games in Austria in 2020. Last year, at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, Jadeja led a team event where India finished fifth. Most recently, on the final day of the long-track ice-skating event at the 2026 Khelo India Games in Leh, Ladakh, he secured eighth place in the men's 1000m race.
Reflecting on his participation, Jadeja said, "I never participated before because we didn't have safe ice tracks. But this one is good so I decided to have a go." He emphasized that his goal wasn't solely to win but to showcase the progress of himself, India, and ice skating as a sport.
Optimism for India's Winter Sports Future
Jadeja is optimistic about India's potential in winter sports. He believes that with increased seriousness from authorities, the country could host the Asian Winter Games within the next 10-12 years. "Some of the infrastructure has been built in the last few years, particularly after the concept of Khelo India came into being," he noted. "We now have two Olympic-sized artificial ice rinks in India, in Leh and Dehradun, for short-track ice skating and ice hockey. There are good skiing places too."
He highlighted the need for long-track ice skating surfaces and improved coach-athlete welfare. "Ice skating is an elite sport and our athletes and coaches need to be given a lot of support, from the government and the corporates," Jadeja asserted. "In India, the government has other major pressing issues but I believe despite that we are not far from where we should be in ice skating."
Personal Revival and Advocacy for Leh
After an accident in 2017, Jadeja faced a challenging period. A musician friend advised him to visit Leh, Ladakh, to rediscover himself. This trip sparked a deep connection with the region, which he now champions as the permanent venue for the Khelo India Winter Games. "I think Leh should be the permanent venue for the Khelo India Winter Games. It's a wonderful place. With the infrastructure improving everywhere here, why not?" he enthused.
Finally, Jadeja expressed gratitude for the Khelo India initiative, acknowledging its role in boosting media coverage, infrastructure development, and awareness for ice skating and winter sports. "Thanks to Khelo India, the media coverage has improved. Yes, more coverage is required but previously there was practically none. The push for infrastructure has increased and there is much more awareness on where exactly we stand and what all we need to do," he concluded, embodying the unwavering Rajput spirit that has driven his remarkable journey.
