By Namita Tewari :

 

KAZAN (Russia) THE Indian team, which participated at the 45th WorldSkills competition held here, has significantly improved its performance by winning one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. In 2017, the Indian team had won one silver, one bronze and nine medallions of excellence. The winners were announced at a glittering closing ceremony on Tuesday that featured music, dance and fireworks at the 45th WorldSkills 2019 competition here in the capital of Tatarstan.

 

The ceremony was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. S Aswatha Narayana, 25, won the gold medal in water technology. Pranav Nutalapati, 17, won silver medal in web technologies, the WorldSkill organisers said. Sanjoy Pramanik, 21, from West Bengal and Shweta Ratanpura, 22, from Maharastra both won bronze medals in jewellery and graphic design technology respectively, they said. More than 1,350 Competitors from 63 countries and regions competed to win prestigious medals in 56 skills areas. China led the final medal table with 16 golds. Russia took 14 golds, and Korea seven.

 

The Indian team, the sixth largest contingent at the WorldSkills stole hearts with a performance that brought alive the rich diversity and beauty of the vast country. India first participated at the WorldSkills event in 2007. The team participated in 44 skills including mobile robotics, prototype modelling, hairdressing, baking, confectionary & patisserie, welding, brick laying, car painting and floristry.