The National Welding League for Women 2026 (NWL 2026) concluded with an inspiring finale that celebrated the skills, determination, and achievements of women welders from across India. Organised by Fronius India Private Limited and hosted by C V Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, the competition provided a national platform for women to demonstrate their expertise in welding and technical knowledge.
The winners were announced on March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, making the recognition even more meaningful as the initiative highlighted the growing role of women in manufacturing and industrial careers.
Watch the video featuring one of the winners from the National Welding League for Women 2026.
A national platform for women welders
The National Welding League for Women 2026 attracted more than 500 registrations from participants representing engineering colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), universities, technical institutions, and industry professionals from across India.
The competition aimed to promote careers in welding and advanced manufacturing among women while providing a national stage to showcase technical capabilities. By bringing together participants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, the event also created opportunities for learning, networking, and industry exposure.
Participants were evaluated through live welding demonstrations and technical assessments during the finale at C V Raman Global University, where industry experts assessed their performance. The competition tested not only welding precision and technique but also participants’ understanding of welding processes, safety standards, and industrial applications.
Recognising excellence in welding Skills
The competition featured multiple categories designed to test both practical skills and technical expertise in key welding processes.
NWL 2026 – GMAW Winners (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
1st Rank
- Ms. Harini Kathiravan – Chennai Institute of Technology
- Ms. Annapurna Thakur – O.P. Jindal University (JGU), Raigarh
2nd Rank
- Ms. Vinothini E. – Karpagam College of Engineering
- Ms. Laxmi Bari – NSTI-RDSDE, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
3rd Rank
- Ms. Sanjana Sahoo – Jharsuguda Engineering School
- Ms. Nithya – NTTF (Nettur Technical Training Foundation)
Special appreciation:
- Ms. Kamini Behera – C. V. Raman College of Engineering
NWL 2026 – MMAW Winners (Manual Metal Arc Welding)
1st Rank
- Ms. Pooja Santosh – Praj GenX Limited
- Ms. Pratheeksha Devadiga – Praj GenX Limited
2nd Rank
- Ms. Suguna Acharya – Praj GenX Limited
- Ms. Hemamalini M. S. – Chennai Institute of Technology
3rd Rank
- Ms. Kumkum Pradhan – O.P. Jindal University (JGU), Raigarh
- Ms. Dibyangi Dibyalaxmi Nayak – C. V. Raman Global University
Quiz Winners – Featuring Institutions
1st Rank
Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai
2nd Rank
- C. V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar
- Yadupati Singhania Centre for Technician Training, Kanpur
3rd Rank
Karpagam College of Engineering, Coimbatore
The winners were recognised with medals, certificates, and exclusive training opportunities, acknowledging their technical expertise and dedication to mastering welding skills.
Supporting skill development and industry collaboration
To support participants in preparing for the competition, Fronius India enabled all registered candidates to practice at the nearest Fronius India Solutions and Skill Centres. This initiative allowed participants to refine their welding techniques and gain hands-on experience with advanced welding equipment ahead of the national finale.
The initiative also received strong support from industry partners, including:
- MPP Technologies
- TTP Technologies
- American Welding Society – India
- Rolex Machinery Corporation
These collaborations helped strengthen the competition by connecting skill development initiatives with industry expertise and real-world applications.
Also read: National Welding League Helps Women Welders to Weld Wonders
Encouraging more women to pursue welding careers
The National Welding League for Women 2026 demonstrated how skill competitions can play a vital role in encouraging women to enter and thrive in technical fields. By bringing together participants from across the country, the initiative highlighted the growing talent pool of women welders in India.
Platforms like NWL 2026 not only provide recognition for skilled professionals but also inspire students and young learners to explore career opportunities in welding, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. As industries continue to evolve with new technologies and automation, skilled welders remain an essential part of modern manufacturing ecosystems.
Celebrating the winners on International Women’s Day reinforced the importance of inclusion in technical trades. The event served as a powerful reminder that women are increasingly shaping the future of welding and advanced manufacturing in India, paving the way for greater participation and recognition in the years to come.
