New Delhi/Lucknow, September 2026: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, organised a farewell ceremony at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi for the Indian contingent participating in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
India’s largest-ever delegation of 70 skilled young competitors will represent the country across 63 skill categories at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, being held in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026. The competitors will showcase India’s growing capabilities in technical excellence, creativity, precision, innovation and craftsmanship on the global stage.
The farewell ceremony was attended by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education; Kapil Dev Agarwal, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Ashish Sood, Minister in the Delhi government handling Home, Education, Power, Urban Development, Higher Education, and Training and Technical Education; and Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Jindal Steel.
Addressing Team India, Jayant Chaudhary said the contingent represented a generation of confident, creative and digitally skilled young Indians ready to compete with the best in the world.
“Team India represents a generation that is confident, creative and digitally skilled, and ready to compete with the best in the world,” he said.
Chaudhary said India’s participation in new-age skills reflected the growing depth of the country’s skilling ecosystem. He added that, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, the government was expanding skilling opportunities through skills competitions, Kaushal Mahotsavs and stronger partnerships with state governments and industry.
He also said India should aim to host major global skills competitions in the future.
Urging the competitors to remain focused, Chaudhary said, “Trust your training, stay focused and compete without fear.” He described the Shanghai competition as an opportunity for participants to discover how far their skills could take them.
He encouraged the young competitors to embrace a “never give up” spirit, perform to the best of their abilities and inspire a generation to view skills with confidence and pride.
Kapil Dev Agarwal highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s continued support for the Skill India Mission through quality training, promotion of entrepreneurship and stronger industry linkages. He expressed pride in the participation of talented young people from Uttar Pradesh in Team India.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with the Centre to expand skill development opportunities across every district and enable young people to compete successfully at national and international levels.
For the first time, India will participate in 11 new skill categories: 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.
Team India’s preparation has been supported by a wide network of state governments, Sector Skill Councils, training institutions, industry partners, experts and mentors. Specialised facilities, equipment, technical expertise, simulations and international exposure have helped train competitors in line with global standards.
WorldSkills is the world’s leading platform for recognising and promoting excellence in vocational skills. The Shanghai event will bring together more than 1,400 young competitors from over 60 countries and regions, competing across 64 skills.
Team India will now seek to demonstrate India’s growing strength in vocational skills and show how skilled young people can contribute through innovation, manufacturing, creativity and technical excellence.
