Cuttack: Skater Anahita Mishra has created history by winning gold medal in the World Cotonou Skating Competition held in Benin, Africa. She has established this feat in the first edition of this competition which had taken place from 1st to 5th of this month.

She is the first Asian to win a World Skate Gold Medal in the African continent which is mostly dominated by Europeans, Latin Americans and Africans.

She defeated the African No.1 skater of Cameroon in the semifinal, and grabbed the first place by defeating Spain's Martina in the final. This is her fourth international gold medal in 2025-26 which includes her podium stands at Poland, Portugal and France. She is currently the Woman National record holder in Inline Freestyle Speed Slalom category and also ranked 6th in the World Skate ranking.

Anahita's achievement makes her even more proud—she's the first Asian woman to win a gold medal on the African continent.

Anahita said it was a proud and unforgettable moment when India’s national anthem was played as she received the gold medal from the President of the Fédération Béninoise de Roller Sports.

She is the daughter of Soumyanwesh Mishra and Sunanda Mishra of Khatbin Sahi, Cuttack, currently she has passed from 9th to 10th in Manav Rachna International School, Noida. 

She is the only Skater to win the Pride of Odisha title by the Skating Association of Odisha’s President Dileep Tirkey. She is also the only Skater ever to win a cash reward by the Govt of Odisha in 2024. She has also appealed to the Govt of Odisha through different mediums via media houses to build good infrastructure for skaters so as Odisha can have many skaters like her who can shine globally and make Odisha proud.