India marked a golden chapter in sporting history at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships held in Beidaihe, China. Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old sensation, captured India’s first-ever world title by storming to victory in the senior men’s 1000m sprint with a stunning time of 1:24.924. This triumph was not only a personal milestone but also a historic breakthrough for the nation in a sport long dominated by countries from Europe, Latin America, and East Asia. Just a day earlier, Velkumar had made headlines by securing bronze in the senior men’s 500m sprint with a timing of 43.072 seconds, becoming the first Indian to medal at the senior level in world championship skating. His consistent performances across categories are being celebrated as a revolution in Indian roller sports.
Adding to this remarkable moment, young Krish Sharma claimed gold in the junior 1000m sprint, completing a dream double for India at the championships. His victory, alongside Velkumar’s, has positioned India as an emerging force in global speed skating. The celebrations mark a shift in India’s sporting identity, with roller sports finally gaining recognition and international visibility.
Anandkumar Velkumar’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring. His journey began with a silver medal in the 15 km elimination at the 2021 Junior World Championships, a performance that signaled his international potential. In 2023, he helped India clinch bronze in the 3000m team relay at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, proving his ability on the continental stage. Earlier this year, he etched his name in history by winning bronze in the 1000m sprint at the World Games in Chengdu, the first-ever medal for India in roller sports at the Games. Building on that momentum, he delivered a dream performance at the World Championships, securing bronze in the 500m sprint before creating history with gold in the 1000m.
Velkumar’s achievements are not just medals; they are milestones breaking barriers for Indian athletes in lesser-known sports. With victories across Junior Worlds, Asian Games, World Games, and now the World Championships, he has become the face of Indian speed skating. His determination and ability to consistently challenge the world’s best skaters reflect a new era for India, one where the nation’s presence in global skating cannot be overlooked.
The success of Velkumar and Sharma is being hailed as a turning point, inspiring young athletes to dream big in sports beyond the traditional mainstream. Their triumphs symbolize India’s growing spirit of sporting excellence and promise that the tricolor will continue to shine on international skating tracks in the years to come.
