Beidaihe, China – September 15, 2025
Anandkumar Velkumar carved his name in the annals of Indian sport today by becoming India’s first-ever senior world champion in speed skating, after clinching gold in the men’s 1000m sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships.
He crossed the line in 1:24.924 seconds, finishing ahead of some of the sport’s best.
What Led Up to It
Just a day earlier, Velkumar had already made headlines — he won bronze in the 500m + D-sprint event, marking India’s first senior medal at the World Championships.
Earlier in the year, at the World Games in Chengdu, he had secured a bronze in the 1000m sprint — India’s first roller-skating medal at that event.
Behind the Win
Anandkumar, hailing from Tamil Nadu, has been skating for over 15 years. He began with quad skates and later switched to inline speed skating around age 12. His early promise was evident in 2021 when he won silver at the Junior World Championships in the 15 km elimination event.
Supported by the Sathya Speed Skating Academy and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Velkumar’s rise reflects years of hard work, increasingly better infrastructure, and growing attention to roller sports in India.
Significance & What It Means
This win is more than just a personal triumph: it signals a turning point for Indian speed skating. Earning both a bronze and then a gold at the senior World Championships in two different events shows depth, promise, and the potential for India to produce world-class talent in a sport long dominated by athletes from Europe and East/East Asia.
Having such results inspires younger skaters, builds momentum for better sporting infrastructure, and helps bring attention and funding to roller sports back home.
It also provides India with a new “first”: first senior Worlds medal, first gold at senior Worlds in speed skating. Milestones that pave the way for higher ambitions — Asian Games, World Games, Olympics-level aspirations.
Possible Areas of Interest Going Ahead
How Anandkumar’s training, technique, and coaching evolved to reach this level
The role local/state-level support played (facilities, coaching, competitions)
How this success might spur investment: more tracks, better gear, exposure tours abroad
What goals Anandkumar might set now — defence of the title? Other distances? World ranking?
