NE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 22
India’s quest to emerge as a global skills powerhouse received a major boost on Sunday as the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) flagged off a 30-member contingent for the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) 2026 in Australia, a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the prestigious WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Team India is all set for the Global Skills Challenge 2026, a key milestone on the road to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. At a send-off ceremony held today, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, motivated the 15 competitors and 15 experts representing India, encouraging them to… pic.twitter.com/ebAFqDVxg6
— Worldskills India (@WorldSkillsInd) June 21, 2026
The Indian delegation comprises 15 highly skilled competitors and 15 experts, who will represent the country at the international simulation event scheduled from June 23 to 29, 2026. Designed to mirror the intensity and standards of the WorldSkills Competition, the event will provide Team India with an invaluable opportunity to test its preparedness, benchmark performance and fine-tune strategies before the global championship in Shanghai.
- MSDE Flags Off 30-Member Contingent to Australia for Global Skills Challenge 2026 Ahead of Shanghai Showdown
- International Simulation Event to Test India’s Best Talent Under Real WorldSkills Competition Conditions
- Competitors to Showcase Excellence Across Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technologies, Creative Arts and Service Skills
- Debashree Mukherjee Urges Youth to Learn, Adapt and Compete with Confidence on the Global Stage
- Skill India Mission Gains Momentum as Team India Targets World-Class Performance and Podium Success
Organised by WorldSkills Australia, the Global Skills Challenge recreates actual competition conditions through four days of rigorous skill contests assessed using the internationally recognised Competition Information System (CIS). Nearly 600 competitors, experts, translators and officials from member nations are expected to participate.
Addressing the young competitors before their departure, Debashree Mukherjee said: “The Global Skills Challenge 2026 Australia is not merely a competition, but an important opportunity for Team India to gain international experience, sharpen their skills and prepare for the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.”
She urged the participants to maximise every learning opportunity and added: “I encourage each competitor to listen closely to their experts, remain focused and disciplined, and make the most of every learning opportunity. Each one of them is already a champion for the country, and we are immensely proud of their journey. I wish Team India the very best as they move forward with confidence to make India proud on the global stage.”
Motivating the contingent, Arunkumar Pillai said: “Each one of our candidate has earned their place here through a gruelling and highly competitive journey to become among the very best in India.”
Highlighting the importance of the event as the final stepping stone before Shanghai, he remarked:
“This Global Skills Challenge 2026 Australia is the final stretch before Shanghai, and now is the time for even greater focus, discipline and determination.”
He further inspired the participants by saying: “I hope they learn from every experience, trust their training, and visualise success. Manifest that moment when they stand on the podium in September 2026, carrying the hopes of a nation.”
Adding an emotional note, he said: “For us, they are already heroes. As they take on the world, they must know that the entire Skill India family stands firmly behind each of our candidate, cheering for their success every step of the way.”
The Indian team will compete across 15 skill categories, including 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Automobile Technology, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cloud Computing, Floristry, Graphic Design Technology, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Industrial Mechanics, Painting and Decorating, Restaurant Service, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Technologies.
Officials said the challenge will expose participants to global best practices, advanced technologies, international evaluation systems and diverse competition approaches. Such exposure is expected to significantly strengthen India’s readiness and performance capabilities before the Shanghai event.
The send-off ceremony was attended by Manisha Sensarma, Hena Usman and senior officials from MSDE and the National Skill Development Corporation.
As India accelerates its efforts to build a future-ready workforce, Team India’s participation in the Global Skills Challenge reflects the growing ambition of the Skill India Mission to position the country among the world’s leading skill economies and transform its youth into globally competitive professionals.
