The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, on September 15, hosted the send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent participating in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. This time, India’s contingent of 70 skilled young competitors will represent the country across 63 skill categories at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. The Shanghai edition will bring together more than 1,400 young competitors from over 60 countries and regions, competing across 64 skill competitions.
India has moved from the 29th position in 2015 to the 13th position at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where it secured four Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence. India also secured the eighth position in Asia at WorldSkills Asia 2025. This year, India is sending the largest ever contingent and will showcase country’s growing capabilities in technical excellence, creativity, precision, innovation and craftsmanship on the world stage.
As the 70-member contingent departs for Shanghai, it carries the aspirations of the nation, the expertise of its trainers and mentors, the support of industry and institutions, and the encouragement of families across India. Team India is ready to demonstrate to the world that the future belongs to those who can create, build, innovate and perform with skill.
The ceremony was graced by Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and MoS Education; Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Ashish Sood, Minister for Home, Education, Power, Urban Development, Higher Education, and Training & Technical Education, Government of NCT of Delhi; and Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman, Jindal Steel. Ministry officials from the Ministry, NSDC, representatives of industry and training institutions, experts, mentors, competitors and their families also attended the ceremony.
Addressing Team India, Jayant Chaudhary, said, “Team India represents a confident, creative and digitally agile generation, ready to compete with the world’s best. Our participation in new-age skills reflects the growing depth of India’s skilling ecosystem. Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision, the Government is taking skilling to scale through skill competitions, Kaushal Mahotsavs and stronger partnerships with States and industry. At some point in time, we must aspire to host such global skill competitions as well.
To our competitors, I say- trust your training, stay focused and compete without fear. Shanghai is not only a competition; it is an opportunity to discover how far your skill can take you. Embrace the spirit of ‘Never Give Up’, give your very best and inspire a generation to choose skill with confidence and pride.” In a gesture celebrating unity and team spirit, Shri Jayant Chaudhary wore the newly unveiled India competitor attire that Team India will don at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Commenting on the association, Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel, said, “India’s young skill champions embody confidence, discipline and the determination to excel. We are proud to support Team India as they carry the nation’s aspirations to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. I wish every competitor the very best as they showcase Indian talent and excellence before the world.” Jindal Steel is the Official Merchandise Sponsor for Team India’s WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 campaign, supporting the ceremonial and competition attire of the Indian competitors.
The preparation of Team India has been supported by a wide network of State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions, industry partners, experts and mentors. Through specialised facilities, equipment, technical expertise, simulations and international exposure, these partners have helped competitors train according to exacting global standards.
The ceremony also witnessed the announcement of first cohort of 16 members to the WorldSkills India Champions Club, bringing together distinguished former competitors and medallists as ambassadors of India’s skills movement. The Club will enable these champions to mentor aspiring competitors, share their experiences and inspire more young people to pursue skills with confidence, excellence and pride.
