The rhythmic clatter of skateboards and the mechanical hum of bicycle motocross (BMX) bikes are now becoming increasingly common across Hyderabad’s urban landscape. A once-scattered collection of enthusiasts has matured into a focused community where the next generation of riders is honing its craft. While the infrastructure is limited, the passion is sustained by a growing network of enthusiasts as a legitimate athletic pursuit.
Sifat Singh during a training session.
‘It’s a growing community, driven by passion’“My 11-year-old son Sifat, has been skateboarding since 2021 and trains five days a week. There are only a few skate parks in the city, but I’ve observed that the community is still thriving. These skateparks are where everyone comes together—kids, teenagers, and even adults from different backgrounds — practising, learning, and pushing each other,” says Supriya Iruku, adding, “Competitions are held every couple of months, and that’s when you really see the scale of it. It’s encouraging to see how passionate and committed everyone is, despite the limited infrastructure.”
Agasthi, 17, has been into bicycle motocross freestyle and racing since 2014.
‘The sport sharpens decision-making on the go’A lot of youngsters are taking to the sport. “My son Agasthi, 17, has been into bicycle motocross freestyle and racing since 2014; he practically grew up on two wheels. A part of the Hyderabad circuit since 2016, being in this space has truly shaped his personality—making him more independent, confident, and resilient. It has taught him quick decision-making, especially in the middle of a run or while trying a new trick. For many of them, it’s not just a sport; it’s a shared passion that keeps the community connected,” says Anupa Sekhar, a homemaker.
Picture credit: joe_skate20
‘We make the most of the spaces we have’ Joe Prasen, an AI marketing consultant, points out that, “There are four skate parks in the city. Even though the number is small, the community manages to make the most of the available spaces. Hopefully, we’ll see more skate parks being built, especially with so many people now getting into skateboarding,” he says, adding, “I’ve been skating since 2020, and even with a busy schedule, I make it a point to take out one or two hours after work every couple of days, it’s my way to unwind.”
‘Everyone pushes each other to improve daily’“It’s a really cool community here. Ever since skateboarding and BMX freestyle and racing were included in the Olympics, people have started seeing it as a legitimate sport. We have kids as young as seven or eight, and even people in their 30s coming in to try it out,” says Hamza Khan, skateboarding & BMX freestyle and racing trainer. “What makes it special is the sense of belonging. Everyone pushes each other to improve, but there’s no pressure just pure passion. A few of our riders are already competing at national and even international events,” he adds. Tribhuvan Kokkula, a skateboarder & BMXer, says, “I’m 39 now, but back in 2011, there were literally just three of us out there. As a skateboarder and stunt cyclist, I’ve seen this go from a tiny, scattered group to a full-blown community. Seeing over 250 riders of all ages involved today is just incredible.” Why these sports are growing
- Seen as fun, expressive, and non-traditional
- Strong ‘cool factor’ among younger audiences
- Easy to start with minimal equipment
- Influenced by social media, global culture, and online videos
- Encourages creativity, individuality, and style
- Builds a strong sense of community and belonging
– Biswajit Talukdar
