Skating by Day, Coding by Night: Anandkumar Velkumar Becomes India’s First Inline Speed Skating World Champion

From the streets of Chennai to the global stage, 22-year-old engineering student Anandkumar Velkumar has made history, becoming India’s first world champion in inline speed skating. At the World Speed Skating Championships in Beidaihe, China, Anandkumar secured gold in the Senior Men’s 1000m sprint, surpassing all expectations.

Balancing intense training with his computer engineering coursework at Anna University, Anandkumar’s journey has been defined by discipline and perseverance. Early mornings spent skating on Chennai’s roads and late nights tackling academic assignments exemplify the dedication behind his success.

His rise to the top follows notable achievements, including a bronze at the 2023 Asian Games in the 3000m event. However, winning gold was an unexpected triumph. “My target was to be on the podium, so taking gold is beyond what I imagined,” he shared in an exclusive interview.

Training in India posed unique challenges, from traffic to limited facilities, prompting him to seek international exposure in Europe. His breakthrough came in 2021 with a junior world silver medal, instilling confidence to pursue the sport professionally. Anandkumar credits his family’s unwavering support for his journey, from timing laps to ensuring consistent training attendance.

In addition to gold in the 1000m sprint, he secured bronze in the 500m sprint, showcasing his versatility on the global stage. Recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi further highlighted the significance of his achievement, bringing attention to a sport that often remains underrepresented in India.

From a humble badminton court in Chennai to the world podium, Anandkumar Velkumar’s story is one of relentless ambition and dedication. With future competitions on the horizon, he continues to push the boundaries of Indian speed skating.