The 22 year old Indian shows his impressive prowess at the Speed Skating World Championships. Claiming the first spot on the podium. The record setter won the top prize in senior men’s 1,000 m sprint with a time of 1:24.924.
Who is Anandkumar Velkumar?
Anandkumar Velkumar is a speed skater from Tamil Nadu. Started making waves with a silver medal at the 2021 Junior World Championships; India’s first-ever at that level. He followed it up with a bronze in the 3000m relay at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. He’s known for consistency in breaking barriers in Indian roller sports.
PM Narendra Modi reacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anandkumar Velkumar for his stellar achievement. “Proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for winning the Gold at the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint in the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. His grit, speed and spirit have made him India’s first World Champion in skating.
His accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters. Congratulations to him and best wishes for all future endeavours,” The PM wrote on X.
Who else?
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports from 2019-21, hailed Anandkumar for his historic triumph on X, posting, “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!”
Early Life
Anandkumar Velkumar was born on January 19, 2003, in Tamil Nadu, India. He began skating at the age of 6, inspired by his sister Subi Suvetha, and initially trained on quad skates before switching to inline skating. Supported by his family and trained at Sathya Speed Skating Academy, his talent was evident from a young age.
Career Highlights & Achievements
- In 2021, he became the first Indian to win a medal at any World Championships in speed skating, winning silver in the Junior World Championships in the 15 km elimination event.
- In Asian Games 2023 (Hangzhou), he was part of the Indian men’s 3000m relay team that won bronze.
- At the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, he won bronze in the 1000m sprint event — this was India’s first medal in roller sports at the World Games.
- He also won a bronze in the 500m sprint event at the same World Championships — this was India’s first ever senior world championship medal in that category.
What’s next
Anandkumar Velkumar is now expected to focus on defending his world title and expanding his dominance in international speed skating events. He may also target more medals at the Asian level, while continuing to improve on technical and physical aspects.
Off the track, his historic achievements could position him as a key figure in promoting roller sports in India. With growing recognition, he’s likely to inspire a new generation of skaters and attract greater support for the sport nationwide.
Written by: Hubaish
