As a young boy racing through the narrow lanes of Chennai on rollerblades, Anandkumar Velkumar likely dreamed of winning big. Few, however, could have imagined that he would one day carve his name into history as the first Indian ever to win gold at the Speed Skating World Championships.
That dream turned into a dazzling reality in Beidaihe, China, where the 22-year-old surged to victory in the senior men’s 1,000 m sprint, crossing the finish line with a time of 1:24.924. The gold medal wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked a watershed moment for Indian roller sports.
Velkumar’s golden run came just a day after he clinched India’s first-ever senior-level medal at the championships, a bronze in the 500 m sprint, which he completed in 43.072 seconds. His back-to-back podium finishes signal a breakthrough for a sport that has long remained on the fringes of India’s athletic spotlight.
Adding to the celebration, Krish Sharma, representing India in the junior category, also claimed a gold medal in the 1,000 m sprint, showcasing the growing depth of India’s talent in the sport.
The championships, which began on September 13 and continue until September 21, have already become a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative.
India’s leadership was quick to acknowledge Velkumar’s feat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the young champion on social media, calling him “India’s first-ever World Champion in skating,” and lauding his “grit, speed, and spirit.” He also expressed hope that Velkumar’s success would inspire future generations to aim higher in sport.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed the sentiment, calling the victory a “glorious moment for Indian sports” and applauding the athlete’s dedication and performance on the world stage.
Velkumar’s historic win has not only elevated his own career but also placed Indian speed skating firmly on the global map, powered by the dreams, discipline, and determination of a young skater from Chennai.
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