The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition saw a remarkable performance from Indian participants, culminating in the attainment of six silver medals across various categories, such as Industrial Design, Retail Sales, and Bakery. This significant achievement underscores India’s growing reputation for vocational and technical excellence on the international stage. Among the prominent winners was Baker Smriti Nambiar, who not only secured a silver medal but also earned the distinguished ‘Best of the Nation’ award, a notable recognition for her achievements.

Smriti Nambiar’s Triumph and Expressed Gratitude

Smriti Nambiar expressed her elation at the accomplishment, highlighting the importance of support from her mentors and family. In a statement, she remarked, “It feels great… I just found out about the Best of the Nation award and the fact that I won it. I am very grateful to everyone: my mentor, my family, my parents, all the chefs I’ve worked with.” Her sentiment reflects the collaborative effort that led to her success, emphasising the collective involvement in her journey.

Amidst a competitive environment, Nambiar’s recognition serves not only as a personal achievement but also as a representation of India’s capabilities in the culinary arts. This award and medal highlight the rigorous training and preparation required to excel in such a prestigious international competition.

Other Notable Achievements by Indian Participants

Alongside Nambiar, several other Indian contestants also shone brightly at the event. Kovid Ajay Gangrade earned a silver medal in the Digital Interactive Media Design category, expressing disbelief at his achievement. He stated, “It is absolutely unreal. Being here, winning the medal just makes all of the preparation and the work you put in make it all worth it.” His remarks underline the dedication and effort invested in their respective training.

Mohammed Salam contributed another silver in Dental Prosthetics, sharing his excitement about representing India. He noted the intensity of the competition, stating, “I am overjoyed; I put in a tremendous amount of effort to reach this stage and represent the Indian team.” This reflects a common theme of commitment and persistence among the competitors, many of whom faced tough odds.

Another standout was Saniya Joshi, who achieved silver in Retail Sales during India’s first participation in this category. Expressing her gratitude, she remarked, “I’m super happy… this medal doesn’t belong just to me—it belongs to each and every person who has joined me on this journey.” Her words reinforce the collaborative spirit present among competitors aiming for success.

Team India’s Success and Future Aspirations

The overall achievements of the Indian contingent included a commendable 10th place finish at the 48th WorldSkills competition, with 6 silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence awarded. This performance represents a significant improvement over India’s 13th position at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, reflecting the progress made by the country’s skilled youth on an esteemed global platform.

India’s participation was organised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), with support from various industry partners and technical experts. Participants have expressed hopes that their successes will inspire the younger generation to engage in skill development and aim for participation in future competitions, thereby enhancing the nation’s capabilities.

As the competition concluded, participants have indicated a desire to mentor upcoming talent in their respective fields, fostering a culture where skill development is celebrated and encouraged. This commitment to nurturing the next generation is crucial for sustaining growth in India’s vocational and technical sectors.

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