Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old engineering student from Chennai, has etched his name in Indian sports history by winning India's first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China. This historic achievement came in the senior men's 1000m sprint, where he clocked an impressive 1:24.924. Adding to the glory, he also secured a bronze medal in the 500m sprint with a time of 43.072s, marking India's first senior world championship medal.
Velkumar's journey to the top has been one of steady ascent and perseverance. What began as a pastime on a badminton court at the age of six in KK Nagar, Chennai, has now culminated in a world championship title. Inspired by his sister, Subi Suvetha, an international skater, Velkumar started with quad skating before transitioning to inline skating at the age of 12. He trained under coach Anna Raja and later joined Sathyamoorthy, with whom he has been associated for nearly a decade.
In 2021, Velkumar made his mark by winning a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in the 15,000m elimination race in Ibague, Colombia. He also contributed to India's bronze medal finish in the 3000m team relay at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. A few weeks ago, he achieved another milestone by securing a bronze medal at the World Games in Chengdu, India's first medal in roller sports at the event.
The turning point in Velkumar's career was the junior Worlds silver in 2021. He had aimed for a top-10 finish but exceeded his expectations, securing the country's first medal on the world stage (junior and senior). This experience motivated him to think bigger and train harder for the future.
Velkumar's recent victories at the Speed Skating World Championships have been met with widespread praise and recognition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his achievement, stating that his grit, speed, and spirit have made him India's first World Champion in skating and that his accomplishment will inspire countless youngsters. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also hailed Velkumar's triumph as a glorious moment for Indian sports.
Adding to India's success at the Speed Skating World Championships, junior skater Krish Sharma also claimed gold in the 1000m sprint category. This remarkable double for India signals a promising future for Indian roller sports.
Following Velkumar's historic win, there are suggestions for increased funding and support for developing infrastructure and grassroots training in roller sports. The aim is to build a robust pipeline for athlete development, ensuring that talents like Velkumar have the resources needed to compete internationally. This shift could significantly transform India's sports ecosystem beyond the more widely followed disciplines.
Velkumar's journey, which began on a small badminton court, is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired a new generation of skaters to dream big and strive for excellence. As Velkumar continues to compete in the remaining events at the World Championships, he carries the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to witness the rise of a new sporting power.
