Anandkumar Velkumar, the Indian speed skater, clinched the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China.
The 22-year-old talent won the medal by topping the senior men’s 1,000m sprint with a time of 1:24.924. Before this tournament he earned a bronze medal in the 500m sprint.
Amplifying the glory, Krish Sharma clinched another gold medal in the junior category 1000m.
Earlier this year, he claimed a bronze in the 1,000 m sprint at the World Games in Chengdu — India’s first-ever medal in roller sports at the event.
His potential had already been evident in 2021, when he secured silver in the 15 km elimination event at the Junior World Championships. Two years later, he played a key role in India’s bronze-medal finish in the 3,000m team relay at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Now, with a world title to his name, Velkumar continues to rise, pushing skating further into the spotlight in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the young talent on his “X” handle, stating,
“Proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for winning the gold at the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint in the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. His grit, speed, and spirit have made him India’s first world champion in skating. His accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters. Congratulations to him, and best wishes for all future endeavours.”
The Speed Skating World Championships began in Beidaihe on 13th September, and the tournament will continue till 21st September.
