India’s First-Ever Gold in Speed Skating
India Creates History in Speed Skating with First World Titles: India reached a historic milestone at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China, when Anandkumar Velkumar and Krish Sharma secured the country’s first-ever world titles in the sport. This was a breakthrough moment, as speed skating has long been dominated by nations like South Korea, Colombia, and Italy.
Anandkumar Velkumar’s Landmark Victory
At just 22 years old, Anandkumar Velkumar made history by winning gold in the senior men’s 1000m sprint, clocking 1:24.924. He also clinched a bronze medal in the 500m sprint with a timing of 43.072 seconds, becoming the first Indian senior medalist at the championships. His achievement not only established him as India’s top roller sports athlete but also raised the country’s profile in global speed skating.
Static GK fact: Speed skating became an official World Championship sport in 1936, with strong traditions in Europe and Asia.
Krish Sharma Shines in Junior Category
The celebrations doubled when Krish Sharma secured gold in the junior men’s 1000m sprint. His victory confirmed that India’s success in roller sports is not limited to one star athlete but represents a new wave of emerging talent.
Anandkumar’s Journey of Consistency
Velkumar’s rise has been steady over the years. In 2021, he won silver in the 15km elimination race at the Junior World Championships. By 2023, he was part of the Indian team that won bronze in the 3000m relay at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. His 2025 season has been particularly historic, with:
- Bronze at the World Games in Chengdu (1000m sprint)
- Bronze at the World Championships (500m sprint)
- Gold at the World Championships (1000m sprint)
Static GK Tip: The Asian Games introduced roller sports in 2010, where nations like China and South Korea have dominated.
Significance for Indian Sports
These victories represent more than individual success. They mark:
- India’s entry into the elite world of speed skating
- Greater recognition for non-mainstream sports
- A possible boost in infrastructure and funding for roller sports
- A role model effect, as athletes like Velkumar inspire the next generation
With medals at the Asian Games, World Games, and now the World Championships, India has proven its potential to compete at the highest levels of roller sports.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Creates History in Speed Skating with First World Titles:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Speed Skating World Championships 2025 |
| Location | Beidaihe, China |
| Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint Winner | Anandkumar Velkumar (1:24.924) |
| Junior Men’s 1000m Sprint Winner | Krish Sharma |
| Other Medal for Velkumar | Bronze in 500m sprint (43.072s) |
| Previous Achievement | Bronze at World Games Chengdu 2025 |
| Early Career Highlight | Silver in 15km elimination, Junior Worlds 2021 |
| Asian Games Record | Bronze in 3000m relay, Hangzhou 2023 |
| India’s Milestone | First-ever World Championship gold medals in speed skating |
| Traditional Dominant Nations | South Korea, Colombia, Italy |
