India created history in global skating as Anandkumar Velkumar won the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China. The 22-year-old triumphed in the senior men’s 1000m sprint, clocking 1:24.924, to become India’s first world champion in the sport.

Velkumar’s win came just a day after he had bagged a bronze in the 500m sprint with a timing of 43.072 seconds, marking India’s first senior Worlds medal. Adding to the celebrations, Krish Sharma clinched gold in the junior 1000m sprint, making it a landmark evening for Indian skating.

Velkumar’s rise has been marked by a series of firsts. Earlier this year, he earned a bronze in the 1000m sprint at the World Games in Chengdu, India’s first-ever medal in roller sports at the Games.

His journey began in 2021, when he won silver in the 15 km elimination race at the Junior World Championships. Two years later, he was part of the Indian team that claimed bronze in the 3000m relay at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

In 2025, within days of his World Games bronze, Velkumar stormed into history with bronze in the 500m and gold in the 1000m sprint at the World Championships, a first for India.

Velkumar’s consistent performances have put India firmly on the global skating map, breaking through in a sport long dominated by Europe, Latin America, and East Asia. His achievements are being hailed as a breakthrough moment for Indian roller sports.

With medals at the Asian Games, World Games, Junior Worlds, and now the World Championships, Velkumar has established himself as a pioneer for Indian skating. His victories mark not just personal success but also a turning point for India’s presence in global roller sports.