Thiruvananthapuram, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
When Rahul Rafi first stepped onto a skateboard at the Sebastian India School Project (SiSP) in Kovalam in 2014, representing India at an international competition in Russia was far from his imagination.
Twelve years later, the 25-year-old skateboarder is preparing to compete at the BRICS Skate Cup 2026 in Ryazan, Russia, carrying with him a story that mirrors the growth of India’s grassroots skateboarding movement.
Trained at SiSP, Rahul will represent India at the international street culture and action sports festival, which begins on Thursday and runs until Sunday. More than 500 athletes from around 30 countries are expected to participate in skateboarding, roller sports and scootering, alongside exhibitions, discussions and cultural programmes.
For Rahul, the opportunity goes beyond competition. Skateboarding has become both his profession and way of life.
“I never imagined I’d one day represent India at an international festival like the BRICS Skate Cup. Representing my country is a huge responsibility and a chance to inspire others,” he said.
Rahul’s journey is distinctive as he is also a professional skatepark builder. He says he has contributed to around 75 per cent of the projects undertaken by 100 Ramps Skate Park Construction in India.
Much of his working life involves building skateparks and then skating at the facilities and streets he helps create.
“I don’t train like a typical athlete. For me, skateboarding is a lifestyle. I’m a skateboarder for life, more than just an athlete,” Rahul said.
The BRICS Skate Cup features several prominent names, including Argentina’s Matias Dell Olio, a 2024 Olympic finalist and world street skateboarding silver medallist, and Russian champion Egor Kaldikov.
For Rahul, however, the event represents a significant personal milestone — from discovering skateboarding on the streets of Kovalam to earning an opportunity to compete for India on an international stage.
“This is more than a competition. It is proof that passion and hard work can open global doors and take you anywhere,” he said.
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