New Delhi, September 15: India has sent its largest-ever contingent of 70 young skilled competitors to the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, as the country seeks to showcase its growing strength in vocational training, technology and craftsmanship on the global stage.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held from September 22 to 27, 2026, in Shanghai. Team India will compete across 63 skill categories, with the country making its debut in 11 new-age and emerging skills.
The send-off ceremony was held at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, addressed the competitors and urged them to trust their training and compete with confidence.
“Team India represents a confident, creative and digitally agile generation, ready to compete with the world’s best,” Chaudhary said. He added that skill competitions, Kaushal Mahotsavs and partnerships with states and industry are helping expand India’s skilling ecosystem.
The new categories in which India will compete include Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance.
The team has been prepared with support from state governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions, industry partners, experts and mentors. Competitors have received specialised training, technical guidance, simulations, equipment and international exposure to meet global standards.
Industry also backed the campaign. Naveen Jindal, Chairman of 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.” Jindal Steel is the official merchandise sponsor for the Indian contingent.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is expected to bring together more than 1,400 competitors from over 60 countries and regions across 64 competitions.
India finished 13th at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, improving from 29th position in 2015, and won four Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence.
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