Skater Anandkumar Velkumar makes history, gets India first-ever gold at Speed Skating World C’ships
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Indian skater Anandkumar Velkumar has etched his name in history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in China. The 22-year-old sensation clinched the top spot in the senior men’s 1,000m sprint event on Monday, clocking an impressive time of 1:24.924, according to ESPN.
This gold comes hot on the heels of Velkumar’s breakthrough bronze in the 500m sprint just days earlier at the same championships in Beidaihe. He finished that race in 43.072 seconds, marking India’s maiden senior world championship medal in speed skating. What a double delight for the young athlete!
Adding to the excitement, India’s junior squad also shone bright. Rising star Krish Sharma grabbed a gold in the 1,000m sprint, proving that Indian speed skating talent runs deep across age groups.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who once led the Youth Affairs and Sports portfolio, couldn’t hold back his pride. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate: “What a glorious moment for Indian sports! Anandkumar Velkumar clinches Gold in the 1000m Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championship 2025, becoming the first-ever Indian World Champion in the sport. Proud of you, Champ!”
The championships kicked off in Beidaihe on September 13 and will wrap up on September 21, keeping the action alive for more potential wins from Team India.
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