Team India Competes at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Team India has begun competing at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with its largest-ever contingent of 70 young competitors across 63 skill categories. The four-day competition follows the Opening Ceremony at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Opens in Shanghai
Nearly 1,400 competitors from more than 65 countries and regions participated in the Opening Ceremony. Team India joined the Parade of Nations carrying the national flag and wearing official team colours.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition was formally opened in Shanghai. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter, while Premier Li Qiang attended the ceremony and declared the competition open.
Indian delegation leaders included Manisha Sensharma, Official Delegate, WorldSkills India and Senior Economic Adviser, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Dilip Kumar, Director General, DGT and CEO, National Skill Organization.
India Enters 11 New Skill Categories
India is participating in 63 skills, including 11 categories for the first time. These include Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology and Retail Sales.
The new categories also include Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance.
The 70 competitors underwent specialised training, intensive practice and international-standard preparation. Fourteen competitors are from Industrial Training Institutes. State Governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions, industry partners, experts and mentors supported the contingent.
Global Skills Competition
The competitions began at 9:00 a.m. at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai and will continue until September 26. The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for September 27.
WorldSkills International organises the competition every two years. It provides a global platform for vocational education, technical expertise, craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.
Team India is also seeking to build on its WorldSkills Lyon 2024 performance, where it secured four bronze medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 provides another international platform for Indian young professionals to demonstrate their skills.
