Anandkumar Velkumar etched his name in Indian sporting history by winning a bronze medal in the 500m+D sprint at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships held recently.
This medal marks the first-ever senior-level accolade for India at the prestigious World Championships, a significant breakthrough in a sport traditionally dominated by European and East Asian countries. Velkumar’s performance was marked by incredible speed, skill, and resilience, as he powered through the qualifiers, quarter-finals, and semi-finals to reach the podium in the final event.
Earlier Success at World Games in Chengdu
Just weeks before this landmark achievement, Velkumar had secured another bronze medal in the inline speed skating 1000m sprint event at the World Games held in Chengdu, China. His timing of 1:22.482 seconds not only earned him the bronze but also represented India’s first-ever medal in roller skating at the World Games.
These back-to-back successes underscore Velkumar’s rapid rise as a leading figure in both domestic and international speed skating circuits and highlight India’s growing presence in the sport.
From Junior Success to Senior Glory
Anandkumar’s rise has been steady and inspiring. He first drew the world’s attention in 2021 by winning silver at the Junior World Championships in the 15000m elimination event, becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the junior level in speed skating. Since then, he has consistently improved his performances amid limited infrastructure and support for roller sports in India.
His recent bronze medal haul at two distinct international events within a short span illustrates his sheer determination, work ethic, and potential to inspire future generations of Indian skaters.
Growing Support and Infrastructure in Indian Speed Skating
Anandkumar Velkumar’s achievements come amid a gradual but promising expansion of skating infrastructure and institutional support in India. Historically, roller and speed skating suffered from limited facilities and sparse funding. However, recent initiatives by the Speed Skating Federation of India (SSFI) and government bodies aim to change this narrative.
New skating tracks and training centres are being developed across various states, including dedicated speed skating bank-tracks in regions like the Northeast. These facilities provide young athletes with world-class training environments previously unavailable.
Efforts to popularise the sport include organizing nationwide championships, talent identification programs targeting rural and urban areas, and certification of qualified coaches. The Indian sports ecosystem is also seeing the impact of international collaborations, for example, bringing in foreign coaches and hosting events like the 2025 Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy.
This progressive approach not only fosters grassroots growth but also prepares athletes like Velkumar to compete at elite levels, signalling an exciting era for Indian speed skating.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, Anandkumar Velkumar’s historic win is a beacon of hope and change. It demonstrates the power of dedication and perseverance in less mainstream sports that foster unity, discipline, and peaceful competition.
His achievements encourage the nurturing of diverse talents across India, beyond the usual sporting hotspots. This victory also calls for thoughtful support from policymakers and communities to help athletes excel globally while promoting values of empathy, coexistence, and national pride.
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— SPORTS ARENA🇮🇳 (@SportsArena1234) September 14, 2025
THIS IS ULTRA HUGEEEEEEEEE FOLKS !! 💥💥💫💫
ANANDKUMAR VELKUMAR WINS BRONZE🥉IN SPEED SKATING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 🏆 🇮🇳
🥉in 500m+D Sprint
💥 India's 1st ever medal in Sr category in World C'ships
💥 Field in finals had WR holder, defending & former World… pic.twitter.com/1EtWIeGrrF
