China: Indian speed skater Anandkumar Velkumar scripted history on Monday, winning the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships. The 22-year-old clinched the top spot in the senior men’s 1,000m sprint with a time of 1:24.924, following his historic bronze in the 500m sprint earlier in the championship, where he clocked 43.072s to secure India’s first senior world championship medal.
Adding to India’s delight, junior skater Krish Sharma also won gold in the 1,000m sprint in the junior category, signalling a bright future for the sport in the country.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Velkumar on X, calling it “a glorious moment for Indian sports” and congratulating him for becoming the first Indian world champion in speed skating.
The championships, which began on September 13 in Beidaihe, will continue until September 21, showcasing top talent from across the globe.
