Maharashtra’s Urmila Pable knew success and failure at a young age after losing her in the fifth grade.
Pable and her brother were raised by their single mother, who was not the most educated, but instilled a sense of responsibility in them.
She has been funding her own education and sporting career since the age of 17.
“I had to be the man of myself. I traveled alone, learned to be independent, and took care of myself. Sports have given me mental and physical strength. No matter how many times I fall, I always get back up,” Pable told mykhel.com.
“My mother always believed in me. She couldn’t guide me much since she isn’t well-educated, but we had strong faith in the path I chose. Everything I did, I figured out on my own, with support from the people I met through sports.”
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She had to make her path as the mother could not provide them with financial assistance.
“My mother always believed in me. She couldn’t guide me much since she isn’t well-educated, but we had strong faith in the path I chose. Everything I did, I figured out on my own, with support from the people I met through sports,” she said.
Growing up, she liked skateboarding on the local streets, and was able to convert that experience into snowboarding at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025.
“I started snowboarding this season on February 17 and haven’t taken a single break. Learning snowboarding was easier for me because I am a professional skateboarder and part of Team India in skateboarding. I have won many national medals in skateboarding, so the transition felt natural
“My coach has the biggest hand behind this success. Because of him, I was able to learn so fast. I feel really proud of myself and excited to take this sport ahead in the future. My aim is to win gold next season,” she adds, speaking of her coach, Raees Khan.
Courtesy of her skills, she clinched a bronze medal in snowboarding at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025. This comes after her success in skateboarding.
Pable won the silver medal at the 36th National Games and represented India at the World Skateboarding Championships.
Her story underlines the determination and resilience it takes to become a top-level athlete.