CHANDIGARH, May 12: Children in the city take keen interest in skating. If one goes by the record, out of 150 members who are regular at the Sector 10 Skating Rink, majority of them fall in the age group of 4 to 10 years, which includes girls.``They enjoy gliding on the wheels,'' this is how one of the officials of the Chandigarh Sports Department puts in, who is in-charge of the Rink.Some of the parents, whose children are regular at the rink for the past some time also agree that once the kids puts on the wheels, they get addicted to it. ``Maybe it is easier to learn the skills of the game,'' said one of the parent. Seeing the interest among the children's, some schools in the city have also made facilities available for the game. And in one school in Sector 7, an International size rink is coming up soon.However, over the year's there has been a sea change in the equipment. Gone are the days when the skaters made use of steel wheels which were available for a paltry sum of Rs 75. Now even an ordinary pair costs around Rs 300. And, if one goes for imported pair, the range is between Rs 2000 to Rs 10000. The latest range of in-line skates are more costlier.``Initially I bought a pair of skates for Rs 300 for my child, but after three months, I had to buy another pair whose cost was Rs 2500,'' disclosed a parent whose seven-year-old daughter is regular at the Rink.Skating is broadly divided into three categories. Artistic, which is also known as figure skating is more popular among girls.Hockey and speed skating are other two events.Some of the city skaters have done exceedingly well in roller hockey event at the national level.Last year six skaters from Chandigarh including three girls took part in the International event.In the men's group, Chandigarh team is the winner of the title in the roller hockey event at the national level for the past three years.However, the women's team were runners-up in the last national held.The speed skating is also divided into two categories Rink and Road races.In artistic or figure skating dress code is very important. And the skater has to exhibit the skill on the wheel, which can be done individually and with a partner.In the Bangalore National Games, the skater gave demonstratio and the game is likely to get the nod of the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) which will further give a boost to the game.However, some of the senior players are annoyed that their is not gradation for sakters.
