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Tamil Nadu’s Anandkumar Velkumar wins India’s first-ever gold at Speed Skating World Championships

The victory came just a day after his historic bronze medal in the 500m sprint in the same championships in Beidaihe, China.

South First Desk

Published Sep 16, 2025 | 7:23 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 7:23 AM

Anandkumar Velkumar

Anandkumar Velkumar.

Synopsis: Indian skater Anandkumar Velkumar won the gold medal for senior men’s 1000m sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships in China. The 22-year-old speedster also became the first Indian World Champion in speed skating.

Indian skater Anandkumar Velkumar won the gold medal for senior men’s 1000m sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships in China on Monday, 15 February.

The 22-year-old speedster, a native of Guindy in Chennai, clinched India’s first-ever gold in the championship with a timing of 1:24.924s, also becoming the first Indian World Champion in speed skating.

The victory came just a day after his historic bronze medal in the 500m sprint in the same championships in Beidaihe, China, where he clocked 43.072 s to secure India’s first senior Worlds medal.

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Union minister lauds victory

Following his victory, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a post on X, praised him for the historic achievement.

“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!” Rijiju wrote on X.

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