Ministry Felicitates Team India for Historic WorldSkills Shanghai Win
The Ministry of Skill Development felicitates Team India after securing a historic 10th rank and multiple medals at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
In a landmark moment for the nation's vocational training landscape, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honor the young achievers of Team India. The ceremony celebrated the team's unprecedented success at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, where India broke into the global top 10 for the first time in history.
Competing on the world stage from September 22 to 27, the Indian contingent delivered a powerhouse performance, securing six silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence. This achievement propelled India to the 10th rank globally, a significant leap from the 13th position held in the previous competition.
A Leap in Global Rankings
The historic climb in the rankings has been met with widespread acclaim from industry leaders and government officials. Speaking at the event in Delhi, Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL), expressed his immense pride in the young competitors.
"I feel absolutely thrilled at India's performance at the World Skills Competition in Shanghai. I was really happy that they did so well... India did so well, and we moved up from the last competition, where we were ranked 13 all over. Now we moved up to the 10th rank,"
Jindal also noted that the increasing support from the Indian government for skills training is a key driver behind this success, expressing confidence that the country will achieve even greater heights in future editions.
The Prime Minister's Interaction
The success of the team was further highlighted by a special interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The participants shared their journeys of adapting to cutting-edge tools, software, and technical systems required to compete at an international level. The Prime Minister congratulated the participants for their global representation and urged them to serve as ambassadors of skill development.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister emphasized a crucial shift in perspective, stating that practical skills are just as vital as academic degrees in the modern world.
Voices of Triumph: Smriti Nambiar and Mehrunissa Begum
For the medalists, the experience was as much about personal growth as it was about national pride. Smriti Nambiar, who earned the 'Best of the Nation' award and a silver medal, spoke about the profound impact of the recognition received.
"The amount of love and support I've received after the competition has been so overwhelming," Nambiar said. She also highlighted the significance of meeting the Prime Minister, noting that he provided a platform for skills that truly deserve recognition.
Similarly, silver medallist Mehrunissa Begum described the interaction with the Prime Minister as an unforgettable experience. She noted that the Prime Minister's presence made the competitors feel comfortable, allowing them to openly share their innovative ideas and listen to his insights.
About WorldSkills
WorldSkills stands as the world's premier international skills competition. It serves as a global arena where young professionals from various countries and regions gather to demonstrate excellence across a vast array of vocational and technical disciplines. The 48th edition, held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, marked a turning point for India's standing in the global technical community.