Chandigarh Teenager Janvi Jindal Sets Five Guinness World Records
At just 17, Janvi Jindal from Chandigarh has etched her name in the annals of extreme sports by achieving an incredible five Guinness World Records in inline freestyle skating. With a journey that began nearly a decade ago, her story is not just about breaking records but also about the relentless spirit of a young athlete fueled by passion, family support, and a dream to represent India internationally.
From Curious Beginner to Record-Breaking Skater
Janvi’s fascination with adventure sports sparked at the tender age of eight when she asked her parents for roller skates. Her father, Munish Jindal, took the initiative to teach her the basics of roller freestyle and inline skating, learning himself from online tutorials and patiently coaching her through countless falls and setbacks in the bustling lanes of Chandigarh’s Sector 22 market. This early perseverance—falling “40-50 times a day” initially—highlights a universal truth in sports: greatness demands grit.
"Achieving five Guinness World Records is a truly special feeling, and I dedicate these achievements to my supportive parents," Janvi told The Indian Express, reflecting on the moment she received official confirmation of her records.
Details Behind the Records
The five records Janvi set are a testament to her extraordinary skating skill and endurance, including:
- Most 360-degree rotations on inline skates in 30 seconds (27 spins)
- Fastest slalom through 20 cones on two wheels inline skates (8.85 seconds)
- Most one-wheeled 360-degree spins in 30 seconds (42 spins)
- Most one-wheeled 360-degree spins in one minute (72 spins)
- Most consecutive one-wheeled 360-degree spins
Her first record was set on July 28, 2024, followed by four others on September 15 the same year, all confirmed recently. These achievements underscore her technical mastery and innovative approach to a sport still gaining traction in India.
National Success and Growing Ambitions
Janvi’s journey is decorated with numerous national medals, beginning with a gold at the 57th National Roller-Skating Championship in Visakhapatnam (2019) in Roller Freestyle, followed by multiple podium finishes including golds and bronzes at subsequent championships. Her preference for roller and inline freestyle—disciplines that allow for expressive creativity rather than the competitive intensity of roller hockey or speed skating—speaks to her desire to blend athleticism with artistry.
"Inline freestyle skating really allows me to showcase creativity while demanding intense physical conditioning," she explains, noting yoga and gym workouts as integral to her regimen—a holistic approach often overlooked in emerging Indian sports disciplines.
Looking Ahead: Dreams on the Asian Stage and Beyond
With inline freestyle skating making its debut at the Asian Games, Janvi harbors the heartfelt ambition to represent India on this prestigious international platform. She cites watching the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games as a defining inspiration.
"To perform on the international stage, significant financial support is crucial," Janvi admits. Indeed, funding remains a critical barrier for many Indian athletes in niche sports. Yet, her determination shines through as she trains to elevate her skills and hopes to inspire more young athletes to take inline skating seriously.
Expert Insight: The Rise of Inline Skating in India
Inline freestyle skating, though still emerging in India, is gaining ground thanks to pioneers like Janvi. Experts emphasize that sustained grassroots support, infrastructure development, and corporate investment are key to nurturing this discipline. It not only enriches the country’s sporting diversity but also opens new avenues for athletes to excel globally.
Janvi’s story also underscores the crucial role of family-led encouragement and self-driven learning in sports where formal coaching remains scarce—highlighting a broader challenge and opportunity within India’s sporting ecosystem.
Editor's Note
Janvi Jindal’s breathtaking achievements illuminate the untapped potential within India’s youth and niche sports, shining a light on the intersection of determination, creativity, and familial support. As inline freestyle skating makes its debut on the Asian competitive stage, policymakers and sports federations face a timely call: to fuel such talent with structured support and funding. Will India rise to the challenge and cultivate more athletes like Janvi? Her story inspires optimism but also sparks vital conversations about the future of emerging sports in the country.