India Gets First-Ever Gold At Speed Skating World Championships

On Monday, India secured its first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in China.

The 22-year-old skater Anandkumar Velkumar won the top prize in the senior men’s 1,000m sprint with a time of 1:24.924, making the nation proud with his remarkable performance.

This triumph came just days after Velkumar had secured a historic bronze in the 500m sprint event at the same championship in Beidaihe, where he clocked 43.072 seconds to claim India’s first senior world championship medal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anandkumar Velkumar on the social media platform X, writing:
“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.”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also congratulated him for his historic triumph, posting on X:
“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!”

The Speed Skating World Championships began in Beidaihe on September 13 and will continue until September 21.