In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old skater from India, scripted history at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships in China. He clinched gold in the men’s 42km marathon, marking India’s first-ever world championship title in speed skating.
Anandkumar Velkumar’s Medal Tally at the Event
Velkumar’s performance at the ongoing championships has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has so far secured,
- Gold in the 42km marathon
- Gold in the 1000m event, with a record time of 1:24.92
- Bronze in the 500m sprint
This brings his total medal count to two golds and one bronze, cementing his status as one of the finest speed skaters in the world.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
- Velkumar’s story is as inspiring as his achievements. His skating journey began on a cement badminton court near his home, where he trained tirelessly despite limited resources.
- What started as a childhood passion soon turned into a 15-year-long pursuit of excellence. His determination and resilience have now taken him to the pinnacle of global speed skating.
Early Breakthroughs on the International Stage
- Velkumar first drew international attention in 2021, when he won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships—a first for India in speed skating.
- His progress continued with a bronze at the World Games earlier in 2025, setting the stage for his golden run at the World Championships.
Significance of the Achievement
Velkumar’s feat carries multiple layers of significance,
- He is the first Indian to win a world championship title in speed skating.
- His performance has firmly placed India on the global skating map, a sport largely dominated by European and East Asian athletes.
- His record-breaking times demonstrate India’s growing presence in unconventional sports beyond cricket, badminton, or hockey.
Key Takeaway
- Name: Anandkumar Velkumar
- Age: 22 years
- Sport: Speed Skating
- Event: 2025 World Speed Skating Championships, China
- Medals at 2025 World Championships
- Gold – 42km marathon (historic win)
- Gold – 1000m event (record time 1:24.92)
- Bronze – 500m sprint
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