Anandkumar Velkumar Wins India’s First-Ever Senior Medal at Speed Skating World Championships
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian sports, Anandkumar Velkumar has won India’s first-ever senior medal at the Speed Skating World Championships, clinching the bronze in the 500m+ D sprint event.
This historic achievement comes just weeks after Velkumar secured another bronze medal in the 1000m sprint at the World Games held in Chengdu, China — also a first for the country in international speed skating.
Velkumar has been steadily rising on the global stage, first making headlines in 2021 when he won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships. His recent back-to-back podium finishes mark a significant breakthrough for India in a sport that has long remained on the fringes of the country's sporting landscape.
“This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for Indian skating. It shows that with the right support and hard work, Indian athletes can compete and win at the highest levels,” Velkumar said following his win.
His achievements are being hailed as a turning point for the sport in India, with many experts hoping this will lead to increased support, infrastructure, and awareness for speed skating across the country.
Recent News
