Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary, who oversees the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Education, recently celebrated India’s winners from the WorldSkills 2024 competition, held in Lyon, France.
At the event, Shri Jayant Chaudhary expressed his pride in interacting with the Indian medalists. He stated, It was an honor to meet the exceptional talents from Team India who showcased their skills globally. Their accomplishments in Lyon, with 16 accolades including four bronze medals, reflect India’s growing expertise in various fields and bring us one step closer to becoming the world’s skill capital.
India’s performance at WorldSkills 2024 was remarkable, earning four bronze medals in categories such as Patisserie and Confectionery, Industry 4.0, Hotel Reception, and Renewable Energy. Medalists Ashwitha Police, Dhrumil Kumar Gandhi, Sathyajith Balakrishnan, Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya, and Amaresh Kumar Sahu were celebrated for their outstanding achievements. Alongside these wins, India also secured 12 Medallions of Excellence, highlighting the country’s talent in numerous skilled trades. Competing against over 70 countries, India’s achievements demonstrate the nation’s dedication to skill development and innovation.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary also honored eight Paralympians who joined the felicitation ceremony. Among them was Ms. Preethi Pal, who made history by securing India’s first para-athletics medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, earning a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race. Veteran Paralympian and President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Shri Devendra Jhajharia, graced the event as the guest of honor. Shri Jayant Chaudhary praised the nine Paralympic winners for their determination and perseverance, stating, Their hard work and dedication exemplify how challenges can be overcome to achieve greatness. The success of our Paralympians, with 29 medals from the Paris 2024 Games, is a true testament to their resilience.
During the event, cash awards were presented to the WorldSkills winners, with Rs 6 lakh for each bronze medalist and Rs 2 lakh for their expert trainers. Additionally, Rs 2 lakh was awarded to each Medallion of Excellence winner, and Rs 1 lakh to the trainers who helped prepare the participants for the competition.
Shri Chaudhary noted that the achievements of Team India at WorldSkills 2024 not only highlight individual dedication but also reflect the strength of India’s skill development ecosystem, guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The success in both traditional trades and emerging industries further positions India as a rising leader in global skills.
At the ceremony, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, spoke about the intense competition in Lyon, saying, The level of skill and determination demonstrated by participants was truly remarkable. Despite the challenges, the Indian team performed with confidence and focus, a reflection of their extensive training and the strong support they received from industry experts.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), praised both the winners and the industry partners who played a crucial role in training the participants. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in preparing workers for world-class competition, noting, India’s 13th place finish, competing in 52 out of 60 skills, marks a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a global hub for skilled talent. Our performance in key skills and emerging fields such as Industry 4.0 and Renewable Energy showcases India’s growing leadership in global skills excellence.
Looking ahead, Shri Tiwari highlighted that efforts will continue to further refine the training process for future competitions, ensuring that Indian youth are even better prepared to excel on the world stage. The WorldSkills 2024 competition showcased India’s strength in both established and emerging sectors, further reinforcing the country’s position as a rising force in global skills.
