Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Education, recently honored the winners of the WorldSkills 2024 competition held in Lyon, France. The ceremony recognized 19 winners, showcasing their impressive achievements against rigorous global standards. Among those celebrated were eight Paralympic winners: Praveen Kumar, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Sharad Kumar, Pranav Soorma, Simran Sharma, Rubina Francis, Rakesh Kumar, and Preethi Pal.
“It was a pleasure to interact with the Medal and Medallion of Excellence Winners from Team India. They have displayed tremendous confidence and have become inspiring icons for the nation,” said Shri Chaudhary. With 16 accolades, including four bronze medals, India’s performance at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 marks a significant milestone towards becoming the skill capital of the world.
The Hon’ble Minister highlighted the increasing demand for skilled workers, noting the growing momentum in discussions around skill benchmarking. He emphasized that the achievements of the WorldSkills winners reflect not only their dedication but also the strength of India’s skilling ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. These accomplishments illustrate India’s expanding expertise in both traditional crafts and emerging industries, reinforcing its position as a rising global leader.
While recognizing the nine Paralympic winners from Paris 2024, who joined the celebrations, Shri Chaudhary remarked, “Hard work is the key to overcoming challenges. The extraordinary achievements of the Paralympic team, which secured 29 medals in Paris 2024, embody this spirit.”
The Minister also underscored the importance of promoting WorldSkills achievements with the same pride as Olympic victories, advocating for a collective celebration that inspires future generations. “It’s your individual victories through dedication and excellence that will ease our collective mission, paving the way for India’s continued rise on the global skills map,” he added.
Among the distinguished guests was Preeti Pal, NSDC brand ambassador, who made history by securing India’s first para-athletics medal at the Paralympics, winning bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race at the 2024 Games in Paris.
India’s remarkable success in Lyon included four bronze medals in Patisserie and Confectionery, Industry 4.0, Hotel Reception, and Renewable Energy. The bronze medalists were Ashwitha Police, Dhrumilkumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi, Sathyajith Balakrishnan, Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar, and Amaresh Kumar Sahu. Additionally, the Indian delegation earned 12 Medallions of Excellence, showcasing the country’s skill and innovation across various trades, competing against over 70 countries.
The Hon’ble Minister awarded cash prizes of Rs. 6 lakhs to each of the four bronze medallists, Rs. 2 lakhs each to the experts who trained them, and Rs. 2 lakhs to the 12 medallion winners. Industry experts who supported the training efforts were also recognized with Rs. 1 lakh each.
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, reflected on the competition, stating, “The intensity of the event was remarkable. The level of skill and competition displayed was world-class. Despite the challenges, the Indian team remained calm and focused, delivering outstanding performances that filled us with immense pride.” He also expressed the commitment to further enhancing the training process for future competitions.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing India’s participation in WorldSkills International competitions, ensuring the selection, development, and management of Team India. The IndiaSkills Competition, held every two years, creates grassroots-level impact with the participation of state governments and industry.
NSDC CEO and Managing Director Shri Ved Mani Tiwari noted, “India achieved 13th rank globally, participating in 52 out of over 60 skills. The invaluable support from industry experts and sectoral skill councils has been instrumental in the success of our participants. The accomplishments of the Indian delegation at WorldSkills 2024 represent a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming a global hub for skilled talent.”
