WorldSkills Lyon 2024, in France: India wins 4 Bronze Medals and 12 Medallion of Excellence

The WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the 47^th edition of this world’s largest skills competition held biennially that gave  1,400 remarkable young people a platform to showcase their talents in 59 skill competitions, came to end on September 15. China led the tally with 36 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals followed by South Korea with 10 gold, 13 silver and 9 bronze. The highest overall score across all skills honour went to Junwei Lu and Huixuan Xie from China, who competed in Industry 4.0. India managed to win four Bronze medals along with 12 Medallion of Excellence.

Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills used the Closing Ceremony to emphasize the lasting impact of WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Speaking directly to the Champions, he said, “You truly are the changemakers. You are the people who are now going out into the world, to shape and transform it, and to find new paths to address the challenges we all face. This world needs your creativity, your passion, your bold ambition, and your exceptional skills.” The next (48^th) WorldSkills Competition will take place in Shanghai in 2026.

The medals for India were won by Ashwitha Police in Patisserie and confectionery, Dhrumil kumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan, in Industry 4.0, Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar in Hotel Reception, and Amaresh Kumar Sahu in Renewable Energy. In addition, the Indian delegation earned 12 Medallions of Excellence.

India’s Medal and Medallion tally at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, in France stands as below:

Indian contingent’s success at WorldSkills 2024 is a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a global skills leader. Winning the Bronze medal in Patisserie and Confectionery in France, the global epicenter of fine pastry and baking, is an extraordinary achievement. It signifies India’s rising prowess in culinary arts, proving that Indian talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in a country renowned for its mastery in this craft. Additionally, India’s medal win in Renewable Energy and Industry 4.0 at WorldSkills 2024 positions the nation as a rising force in cutting-edge, future-focused sectors.

Ashwitha Police who contested in Patisserie and confectionery also won the Best of Nation Award becoming the most outstanding competitor from Team India. “It’s a dream come true to represent my country and win a medal. The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding,” she said.

India’s 12 Medallions of Excellence at WorldSkills 2024 highlight the nation’s prowess across a range of traditional and emerging skills, from Mechatronics and Cyber Security to Jewellery and Beauty Therapy. These achievements underscore India’s leadership in both innovation-driven fields like Additive Manufacturing and Web Technology, as well as craftsmanship in areas like Cabinet Making and Cooking. These victories highlight India’s commitment to advancing in key global industries, reinforcing its growing stature as a hub for innovation, sustainable practices, and technological expertise on the world stage.

The Indian participants, many of whom were competing on a global platform for the first time, were elated with their achievements. Overwhelmed by the recognition, the young achievers expressed pride in representing their nation and thanked their mentors and trainers for their guidance. Several winners highlighted the importance of skilling and its role in transforming their lives and career paths. The collective excitement and joy among the team members were palpable as they celebrated their hard-earned success.

Congratulating Team India, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate Team India for their exceptional achievements at WorldSkills 2024. This is a moment of immense pride for our country. The Bronze medals and Medallions of Excellence are not just personal triumphs but a testament to the nation’s growing emphasis on skills. These young competitors have not only showcased their individual brilliance but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving global excellence in skills development. Their success strengthens our resolve to empower more youth with future-ready skills that will drive India’s growth on the world stage, delivering on our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Kushal and Viksit Bharat.”

Alongside the world’s largest skills competition, some of the world’s most influential thinkers in skills gathered at WorldSkills Conference 2024. After two days of successful discussions and networking, David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, encouraged every delegate to take home their new knowledge and apply it to the skills systems in their countries and regions.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 drew tens of thousands of visitors, including over 75,000 students, who have had a chance to watch the skilled young people in action and to try their hand at different skills for themselves. The hope is that each of them will take away a new perspective about the value of skills, inspiring the next generation of talent.

In his closing remarks, David said, “The Conference is complete, but our work continues in haste. Whether you find yourself at the UN Summit of the Future next week, or are delivering grassroots programmes, we need you to raise this topic at every level. Continue to seek out opportunities to expand your work, find new collaborators, and work every day to elevate skills.”