India's First Skating World Champion
In a historic moment, Anandkumar Velkumar wins India's first-ever senior gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025 in Beidaihe, China.
Anandkumar Velkumar
Age 22, Chennai
A Monumental Victory
Velkumar's performance in Beidaihe was nothing short of spectacular, securing two medals for India and breaking into a domain traditionally held by European and American athletes. This section highlights his key results from the championship.
Gold Medal: 1000m Sprint
Senior Men's Category
1:24.924s
Clocking an incredible time, Velkumar overtook Italy’s Duccio Marsili to clinch the historic gold, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat.
Bronze Medal: 500m Sprint
Senior Men's Category
43.072s
Just a day earlier, he had already made history by winning a bronze, making him the first Indian to win multiple medals at a single World Championship.
The Road to Gold
Velkumar's path to becoming a world champion is a story of resilience, dedication, and consistent progress. Explore his key career milestones by clicking on the events in the timeline below.
2021
Junior World Championships
2022
Asian Games
2025
World Games
2025
World Championships
The Bigger Picture
This historic victory occurs within a broader context of growing government support for sports and an ongoing national conversation about diversifying media attention beyond cricket.
Budget Boost Fuels Success
Velkumar's success coincides with a substantial increase in India's sports budget, reflecting a national strategy to nurture talent. The chart illustrates the 2025-26 budget allocation, highlighting the significant funding for the Khelo India initiative.
Media Coverage Debate
Despite the magnitude of the win, many fans and media watchers noted a lack of prominent coverage, sparking a debate about the persistent media bias towards cricket and the need to celebrate achievements in other sports equally.
Double Glory for India
Adding to the celebration, junior skater Krish Sharma also secured a gold medal in the 1000m sprint, marking a truly remarkable "double gold" for India at the championships and signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.
Inspiring a Nation
Velkumar's victory is more than just a medal; it's a powerful symbol of what's possible and a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of athletes across India.
“His grit, speed, and spirit have made him India’s first World Champion in skating. His accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters.”
