India’s Star Skater Anandkumar Velkumar

In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old Indian athlete, scripted history at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships held in China.

Anandkumar Velkumar’s remarkable performance has placed India firmly on the global map of speed skating, a sport traditionally dominated by European and East Asian athletes.

Medal Tally at the 2025 World Championships

Anandkumar Velkumar showcased extraordinary skill and determination at the event, earning multiple medals across different categories:

• Gold – 42km marathon (historic win)

• Gold – 1000m event with a record time of 1:24.92

• Bronze – 500m sprint

With this medal tally, Anandkumar Velkumar has become a world champion, marking India’s first world speed skating champion. His achievements have made him a record-breaking Indian skater and a celebrated Indian speed skating star.

Journey from Humble Beginnings

The story of Anandkumar Velkumar is one of perseverance and dedication. He began skating on a simple cement badminton court near his home, training tirelessly despite limited resources.

What started as a childhood passion soon turned into a 15-year-long pursuit of excellence. Today, he stands tall as a skater from India who has made history on the international stage.

Early Breakthroughs on the International Stage

Anandkumar Velkumar first gained international recognition in 2021 when he won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships—a historic first for India in speed skating.

He followed this with a bronze at the World Games in early 2025, paving the way for his golden performance at the World Championships.

Key Achievements

• Anandkumar Velkumar wins 42km marathon at the 2025 World Championships

• Anandkumar Velkumar 1000m record time of 1:24.92

• Secured a bronze medal in the 500m sprint

His consistent performance over the years proves why he is considered a young Indian skater who makes history in unconventional sports.

Significance of the Achievement

The accomplishments of Anandkumar Velkumar in 2025 carry multiple layers of significance:

1. India’s first world speed skating champion: Anandkumar Velkumar is the first Indian athlete to clinch a world championship in speed skating.

2. Global recognition: His wins firmly place India on the map in a sport dominated by other nations.

3. Inspiration for aspiring athletes: Anandkumar Velkumar’s journey inspires countless young Indians to explore sports beyond cricket, badminton, or hockey.

4. Record-breaking feats: His gold in the 1000m event set a new benchmark in international speed skating competitions.

Why SSC Aspirants Should Know This

For SSC aspirants, keeping up with current affairs in sports is crucial, as questions related to Indian achievements at international events are frequently asked in exams. Anandkumar Velkumar’s historic win is an important topic under Indian sports achievements for 2025.

Knowing about his medals, events, and significance provides an edge in both general awareness and current affairs sections.

Quick Facts: Anandkumar Velkumar

• Name: Anandkumar Velkumar

• Age: 22 years

• Sport: Speed Skating

• Event: 2025 World Speed Skating Championships, China

• Medals at 2025 World Championships:

  • Gold – 42km marathon

  • Gold – 1000m event (record time 1:24.92)

  • Bronze – 500m sprint

Final Thoughts

Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old Indian athlete, made history at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships in China by winning gold in the 42 km marathon, marking India’s first-ever world championship title in speed skating. His outstanding performance also included a gold in the 1000m event, with a record time of 1:24.92, and a bronze in the 500m sprint, establishing him as a world champion and a record-breaking Indian skater.

Velkumar’s journey began on a cement badminton court near his home, where he trained with limited resources, turning his childhood passion into a 15-year pursuit of excellence. He first gained international recognition in 2021 with a silver at the Junior World Championships and continued to shine with a bronze at the World Games in early 2025.

Anandkumar Velkumar’s achievements have put India on the global speed skating map and inspired countless young athletes to explore sports beyond cricket, badminton, or hockey.