Last Monday, sports fans across India had something new to cheer about. For the first time in history, an Indian athlete stood at the very top of the podium at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. The honor went to a 22-year-old computer science student from Tamil Nadu, Anandkumar Velkumar, who won gold in the senior men’s 1000-meter sprint.
The event took place in Beidaihe, near Beijing, China, where athletes from over 30 countries competed. More than 200 skaters pushed their limits across sprint races, relays, and long-distance events. While India had sent a promising team, no one imagined they would return with not one but two gold medals.
Born on January 19, 2003, in Tamil Nadu, Anandkumar grew up in a family that loved sports. His elder sister, Subi Suvetha Velkumar, was also a skater and his first inspiration. Watching her glide on the tracks sparked his own love for the sport.
Even while pursuing computer science at the College of Engineering, Guindy, he found time to train rigorously. His coaches describe him as one of the most disciplined athletes they’ve ever worked with. Rain or shine, Anandkumar was known to spend hours on the skating track in Chennai, polishing his speed and stamina.
The results started showing early:
These medals laid the foundation for the biggest victory of his life—the 2025 world title.
The senior men’s 1000 m sprint was one of the most anticipated races of the tournament. Competing against world-class skaters from Italy, Japan, and Colombia, Anandkumar knew he had to be at his best.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric. As the race began, blades clattered against the track. Anandkumar stayed calm, focusing on his form and timing. Every corner was taken with precision, and every stride pushed him closer to the finish line.
When the clock stopped, the numbers told the story: 1:24.924. He had beaten the silver medalist by half a second. In speed skating, that gap is huge. For the first time ever, the Indian flag was raised for a senior world title in skating.
The victory sent waves of celebration across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, calling it a proud moment for the youth of the nation. Social media erupted with the hashtag #IndiaSkatesGold, and over 50 million people tuned in online to watch replays of the race.
Anandkumar wasn’t the only one making history. Krish Sharma, a 19-year-old from Delhi, stunned the world by winning gold in the junior men’s 1000 m sprint with a time of 1:22.156. With Anandkumar’s senior title and Krish’s junior win, India announced its arrival on the world skating stage in style.
By the end of the tournament, India’s medal tally stood at two golds and one bronze—a record that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
For decades, India’s sporting identity has been tied mostly to cricket. While sports like badminton, boxing, and wrestling have gained ground, skating was still seen as a fringe activity. That may now change.
Here’s why Anandkumar’s gold is a turning point:
For students, the story is even more inspiring. Skating improves balance, fitness, and focus—skills that also help in academics. Anandkumar himself is proof that studies and sports can go hand in hand. His success sends a clear message: passion and persistence can rewrite destiny.
Challenges remain, of course. India still lacks enough professional skating tracks and trained coaches. But victories like these attract attention, funding, and fresh talent. The Roller Skating Federation of India has already announced new training camps to nurture young athletes.
If this momentum continues, India could soon become a regular medal contender in skating—something few would have believed a decade ago.
Anandkumar Velkumar’s gold medal is more than just a personal triumph. It’s a moment of national pride and a sign that Indian sports are diversifying beyond cricket. With athletes like him and Krish Sharma, the dream of seeing India dominate in new arenas no longer feels far-fetched.
So, whether you’re a student lacing up your first pair of skates or chasing goals in a different field, remember this: every champion starts with a single step. Anandkumar’s journey from Tamil Nadu to the world stage shows that the impossible can be made possible—with grit, focus, and belief.
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