14-year old Indian sets Guinness world record for blindfold skating

Ojal Nalavade, an Indian teenager, has earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records after she became the fastest blindfold skater in the 400 metres category. The 14-year old covered the distance in just 51 seconds in front of officials from the Guinness Book of World Records last week, who acknowledged her feats and declared Ojal as the fastest blindfolded skater in the aforementioned category.

The event, held near Chetana College in Hubli, Karnataka, saw a huge crowd turn up to cheer Ojal as she aimed to create history. The class 7 student was given three chances of 60 seconds each for her to set the new world record. She finally zipped her way to the record in her third attempt amid rapturous applause from those present.

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Ojal, who already has a number of records to her name with titles in the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of records had been practising at the TenderSURE road at Akshay Colony with a blindfold to gear up for her big day. Her coach Akshay Suryawanshi told New India Express, "Skating fast with a blindfold is a rarity. She has achieved it with determination and hard work," he said.

Speaking to the media after she had been awarded a certificate by the Guinness Book of World Records, Ojal expressed happiness and thanked her parents and coach for all the support. "My parents, coach and family were a big support. I shall achieve more with their support in future," she said.

Ojal's father Sunil Nalavade was a proud man after her daughter's achievement. "We had given a deadline of 60 seconds and below to cover a distance of 400 metres. It's not just skating but the girl had to keep her eyes closed. So it was important for us to know that she could manage to scale the distance without looking at the road," he said.