India Shines at WorldSkills 2024, Honored for Global Skills Excellence

New Delhi: Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, today felicitated the winners of the WorldSkills 2024 competition, which took place in Lyon, France. The event celebrated India’s outstanding performance, with Team India securing 16 accolades, including four bronze medals. This achievement marked a significant step towards India’s goal of becoming a global hub for skilled talent.

Addressing the winners, Jayant Chaudhary praised their remarkable dedication and resilience, stating, “It was a pleasure to interact with the Medal and Medallion of Excellence winners from Team India. They have become inspiring icons for the nation. India’s performance in Lyon, with 16 accolades, is a testament to our growing expertise in both traditional crafts and emerging industries. This success strengthens our vision of becoming the skill capital of the world.”

India’s achievements at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 included four bronze medals in Patisserie and Confectionery, Industry 4.0, Hotel Reception, and Renewable Energy, won by Ashwitha Police, Dhrumil Kumar Gandhi, Sathyajith Balakrishnan, Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar, and Amaresh Kumar Sahu. In addition, the country secured 12 Medallions of Excellence across various trades, showcasing India’s competitive edge on the global stage. Competing against over 70 nations, India’s performance underscored the robust training and support from industry partners.

Chaudhary also honored eight Paralympic winners, including Preethi Pal, NSDC brand ambassador, who made history by securing India’s first para-athletics medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Veteran Paralympian and President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia, was the guest of honor. While felicitating the Paralympians, Chaudhary remarked, “The extraordinary achievements of our Paralympic team in Paris, securing 29 medals, exemplify the power of hard work in overcoming challenges.”

The felicitation ceremony saw the awarding of cash prizes—Rs. 6 lakh for each bronze medalist and Rs. 2 lakh for their expert trainers. Medallion winners received Rs. 2 lakh each, while their trainers were awarded Rs. 1 lakh.

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who witnessed the competition in Lyon, commended the Indian team’s calm and focus under immense pressure. “Their dedication filled us with pride. It reflects the exceptional training and preparation they received, and their achievements showcase their hard work and resilience on the global stage,” he said.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Managing Director of NSDC International, also praised the winners and industry partners. “India ranked 13th globally, competing in 52 out of 60 skills. Industry experts, including those from Suzuki, Exalta, and NTTF, played a key role in training our workforce, preparing them for world-class competition. These accomplishments mark a significant milestone in India’s journey toward global leadership in skills excellence,” he added.

Looking ahead, Tiwari highlighted the need for a more structured and streamlined training process to ensure future success. “We are committed to strengthening our approach, ensuring that our youth are better prepared to consistently perform at the highest levels in global competitions,” he stated.

India’s performance at WorldSkills 2024 reinforces the nation’s growing leadership in fields like Industry 4.0 and Renewable Energy, setting a strong foundation for future success in the global skills arena.