Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 13: Bringing laurels to Udupi district, Zaneta Velika D’Souza from Coastal Roller Skating Club, Udupi, has won three gold medals at the 41st Karnataka Roller Skating Championship and Selection Trials 2025–26, organized by the Karnataka Roller Skating Association, held in Bengaluru from November 5 to 8.
With her outstanding performance, Zaneta has been selected to represent Karnataka at the national-level competition. She participated in the speed quad category under the age group above 18 years and showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the event.
Zaneta, a third-year electronics and communication engineering student at NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte, comes from a close-knit and supportive family of five. She is the daughter of Agnelo D’Souza and Jacintha Rose D’Souza and has two brothers.
Introduced to skating at the tender age of three by her parents, Zaneta’s journey began as a fun hobby and gradually evolved into a deep passion. Drawn by the thrill, speed, and balance of the sport, she committed herself to rigorous training, travelling from Udupi to Mangaluru on alternate days for practice sessions that spanned several hours, focusing on both technique and fitness. Over the years, Zaneta has participated in numerous state and national-level competitions, winning multiple medals, including gold at previous state championships.
Zaneta Velika D’Souza said, “My family has always been my greatest strength. Their emotional and financial support, along with their constant encouragement, has kept me motivated to do better each day. My parents have made numerous sacrifices, often travelling long distances to ensure I never missed a single practice or competition. In the beginning, balancing schoolwork with training and building stamina was quite challenging, but with persistence and discipline, I gradually overcame those hurdles. Winning three gold medals at the state championship is one of the most unforgettable moments of my skating journey. Seeing the pride and happiness on my parents’ faces makes every bit of hard work truly worthwhile.”
Zaneta credits her success to the expert guidance of coaches Manish Bangera and Kishor Kumar. With a clear goal to represent her state and country at a higher level, she continues to train diligently, aiming for greater achievements in the world of skating.