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Anandkumar Velkumar Becomes India’s First Speed Skating World Champion With 1000m Gold

The breakthrough crowns a week that elevates a little-funded, non‑Olympic discipline in India.

Overview

  • The 22-year-old won the 1000m at the World Championships in Beidaihe, China, clocking 1:24.924 to secure India’s first senior world title in the sport.
  • He had opened his campaign with a bronze in the 500m sprint, recording 43.072 seconds.
  • His championship schedule continues with two remaining events: the 15,000m road elimination and a 42km marathon.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly congratulated him, drawing national attention to a discipline that typically receives limited recognition.
  • Raised in Tamil Nadu and inspired by his sister, he progressed from training on a cement court to world level and says he intends to defend the 1000m title in 2026.