India’s first ice skating show takes-off in Ahmedabad
Updated: Oct 18th, 2024
India’s first international ice show will be held in Ahmedabad. A fully functional indoor ice skating rink has been created for this purpose at the EKA Arena, near Kankaria Lake. This temporary installation has been designed by the renowned Ice World team. The rink, measuring 20 by 40 metres, is a feat of engineering that brings a winter wonderland to life in the heart of India.
The rink’s creation was achieved using advanced technology and energy-efficient systems. Aluminium channels, linked together with flowing glycol, help maintain the ice surface at a consistent temperature between -10°C and -12°C. This ensures a smooth, skate-ready surface suitable for figure skating and ice shows, even in the warm climate of Gujarat. The glycol system circulates beneath the surface, allowing the ice to freeze evenly and consistently across the 20x40 metre expanse.
To achieve the perfect ice thickness of 6 to 7 cm, a layer of polystyrene (thermocol) has been laid at the base, providing both support and insulation. Water is carefully applied, levelled, and frozen to create a glass-like, smooth finish. It took just three days to complete the entire installation, with a dedicated team of 100 workers constantly maintaining the rink. Their efforts have ensured that the ice will be in prime condition for the ice show.
This high-tech ice rink is hosting the much-anticipated ‘Scheherazade – ICE Show’, a grand production brought to India by a team from Moscow. The show, created by Russian figure skating legend Tatiana Navka, is based on the famous Arabian folk tales of ‘1001 Nights’. Audiences will be transported into a magical world as the story of Persian king Shahryar and his wife Scheherazade unfolds through a mesmerising blend of music, dance, animation, and stunning feats of figure skating.
The rink’s creation and the upcoming ice show mark a historic moment for India, where indoor ice skating facilities have been virtually non-existent. The Scheherazade ICE Show will feature performances by world-class athletes, including Olympic and World champions such as Tatiana Navka, Victoria Sinitsina, Nikita Katsalapov, Povilas Vanagas, Ivan Righini, and Egor Murashov. These stars will bring the fairy tale to life through elaborate costumes, graceful choreography, and breath-taking stunts on ice.
