India’s 22-year-old speed skater Anandkumar Velkumar made history on Monday, September 15, by winning the country’s first-ever Gold medal at the World Speed Skating Championships.
Anandkumar Velkumar defeated Italy’s Duccio Marsili in the Senior Men’s 1000m sprint, completing the race in 1 minute, 24.924 seconds. Congratulating him on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “Proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for winning 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 achievement will inspire countless youngsters. Congratulations and best wishes for all future endeavours.”
Velkumar’s Gold followed his bronze medal in the 500m sprint, clocking 43.072 seconds, making it a historic day for India at the Beidaihe Speed Skating World Championships. In the juniors’ 1000m sprint, Krish Sharma also secured Gold, further highlighting India’s emerging presence in global roller sports.
Velkumar has steadily built his international career, having previously won bronze in the 1000m sprint at the World Games in Chengdu earlier this year, and a bronze in the 3000m relay at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Four years ago, he had won Silver at the Junior World Championships in the 15km elimination event.
PM Modi also congratulated Indian chess player R Vaishali for defending her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title, saying, “Outstanding accomplishment. Congrats to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours.” Vaishali’s victory secured her qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, making her the third Indian to achieve this feat.