SKATING faster than a 100cc motorbike, an Indian boy has become the fastest skater in the world — while traveling backwards.

    Prayatn Sharmam, 15, from Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh, has made a chest thumping entry into the Guinness book of world records after his unusual attempt of fastest backwards skating.

    The ultra-flexible youngster covered the 1-kilometer distance streaming through the city’s roads an incredible two minutes and eight seconds, smashing the previous world record.

    The school student, who is trained by his father, says he picked up the hobby at the age of 5 after watching his elder brother roller skating.

    He said, “My father bought new skates for my brother but I loved them so much that I began skating on them the very same evening.”

    And while the wonder boy may be naturally swift, he fits in a grueling training regime around his schooling to make sure he stays on top of his game and manages to break more records.

    He said, “I practice for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.

    “I wake up at 6 a.m. in the morning. I take milk and do exercise, and then head to the roads of the city.

    “I may skip my school sometimes but I have not missed my skating practice for once in last 10 years.”

    And while Prayatn doesn’t have the help of a trainer, he gets feedback on his performances from his father, Ghanshyam Sharma.

    “I noticed his caliber in skating at a very early age, so I have been trying to give him the best possible facilities I can.” he said.

    “He started from skating forward but when he got bored of it he wanted to try something new. So he started practicing backwards and in five years he has shattered all records.

    “I want him to follow his dreams. Whatever career he may choose, I will always support him.”

    After breaking one world record, Prayatn has no plans to stop here. He wants to go higher and enter the world of professional ice skating.

    Prayatn said, “Ice skating looks the most fascinating sport to me. I want to practice more and win an Olympic medal for my country in ice skating.”

    (SD-Agencies)