Anandkumar Velkumar has etched his name in history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships. The 22-year-old skater clinched the senior men’s 1000m sprint title in Beidaihe, China, with a stellar timing of 1:24.924 seconds.
This victory not only earned him a world title but also marked India’s debut gold at the global stage in speed skating. It is a sport where India had never stood on the top step of the podium until now.
From Bronze to Gold — A Rapid Rise
Just a day before his gold-medal finish, Anandkumar had already made headlines. He secured India’s first-ever senior-level medal in speed skating. He won bronze in the 500m sprint, clocking 43.072 seconds — a historic feat in itself.
By following up that bronze with a gold in the longer sprint, Anandkumar demonstrated not only skill but also endurance and strategic control across varied distances. This back-to-back podium performance reflects his rapid rise and adaptability on the international stage.
Why This Achievement is Historic
Anandkumar’s twin victories carry enormous significance for Indian sports. Here’s why:
- First Indian Gold at World Championships : No Indian skater had ever won a gold at the Speed Skating World Championships. His win in the 1000m sprint changed that narrative.
- India’s First Senior Medal in the Sport : His bronze in the 500m was the first senior-level medal for India. First in speed skating history.
- Breaking Barriers in Non-Mainstream Sports: His success highlights India’s growing potential in less-publicized sports like inline and roller speed skating.
- Inspiration for Youth: With these victories, Anandkumar is likely to inspire thousands of young Indian athletes to pursue speed skating professionally.
Who is Anandkumar Velkumar?
Born and raised in India, Anandkumar Velkumar has steadily climbed the ranks of international speed skating. Known for his explosive speed and technical finesse, he has become a name to watch in the global skating community.
With rigorous training and international exposure, he has developed into a formidable competitor across short and middle-distance sprint events. At just 22, he now stands as India’s first World Champion in speed skating — a title that reflects years of dedication and discipline.
Anandkumar Velkumar’s historic gold and bronze medals at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships represent a major breakthrough for India in global sports. His victories not only highlight personal excellence but also pave the way for a new era in Indian speed skating.
