Anandkumar Velkumar.
Credit: X/@narendramodi
India has scripted history by winning two gold medals at the Speed Skating World Championships in China.
While 22-year-old Anandkumar Velkumar won the country’s first-ever senior gold medal at the World Championships, Krish Sharma claimed the junior 1,000M sprint gold.
It was a double victory for Velkumar as he clinched a historic bronze in the 500M sprint at the same championships in Beidaihe, clocking 43.072s and a day later claimed the gold medal in senior men’s 1,000M sprint with a timing of 1:24.924.
The accomplishment follows weeks after he set a new record for India by winning another bronze in the 1000M sprint at the World Games in Chengdu, China.
Velkumar has been making steady progress on the global scene. He first gained the spotlight, after winning silver at the Junior World Championships in 2021. His accomplishments, which include two unprecedented bronzes in a single month, represent a turning point for Indian speed skating and a promising future for the sport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Velkumar's achievement in a post on X on Tuesday.
Saying that he was proud of the young skater, the PM wrote, "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."
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated the Indian speedsters.
"Double Golden Glory! Bharat shines at the World Speed Skating Championship 2025 in China as Krish Sharma & Anand Velkumar strike Gold in the 1000m sprint (Junior & Senior). History made. Nation proud," he wrote in a post on X.
The Speed Skating World Championships began in Beidaihe, China on September 13 and will conclude on September 21.