Speed Skating Breakthrough: From Obscurity to World Champions
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2025-09-18 12:42:23
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
Anandkumar Velkumar and Krish Sharma put India on the global skating map, inspiring a new generation despite challenges
The recent achievements of Indian athletes in speed skating (defined as competitive skating on ice) have sparked excitement across the country. At the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China, two breakthrough performances stood out: Anandkumar Velkumar, who won India's first-ever senior gold in the men's 1000m sprint, and Krish Sharma, who clinched gold in the junior men's 1000m sprint.
Anandkumar set a timing of 1:24.924 in the senior 1000m, marking a momentous first for India. He also grabbed a bronze in the 500m sprint, his first senior Worlds medal. Krish Sharma's gold in the junior 1000m shows that the next generation is also coming up fast. These wins are historic, not just individually but for the sport in India - a confirmation that Indian speed skating is no longer just participating, but competing and winning at the highest levels.
Despite these successes, Indian speed skaters have long had to overcome several challenges. Speed skating demands specialized tracks and equipment, but many skaters train on substandard or multipurpose surfaces. Proper inline or track speed skating facilities are few and far between. Maintenance, access, and cost are recurring issues. Coaching too has been limited, especially from trainers with international exposure, and opportunities to compete abroad have often been scarce.
Funding has been another major hurdle. Sponsorship and consistent financial aid are patchy, forcing many athletes to juggle studies or jobs alongside training. The high expenses of gear, travel, and coaching weigh heavily on families. On top of this, speed skating still lacks widespread popularity in India, overshadowed by traditional sports. Media coverage has been minimal, and local role models few.
An example of how fragile sporting infrastructure can be lies in Kolkata. The city once boasted a large ice skating rink beside the Birla-owned Modern High School for Girls in upscale Ballygunge. But Bengalâs crippling power shortages in the 1970s and 80s, coupled with waning interest from patrons and the high costs of upkeep, forced its closure by the end of that decade. The space was later converted into an exhibition hall and today houses a modern international school run by the same management.
But things are slowly changing for the better. The gold medals by Anandkumar and Krish have brought much-needed attention to the sport. Media coverage has amplified their success stories, ensuring that many youngsters will hopefully take up speed skating. The Speed Skating Federation of India is working to improve age-group structures, host more competitions, and bring in better coaching. Some states are beginning to invest in proper infrastructure, while youth participation is on the rise.
The double gold at the global stage signals that with the right mix of investment, exposure, and institutional backing, Indian skaters can challenge traditional powerhouses. Anandkumar Velkumar and Krish Sharma are more than just champions; they are trailblazers who can inspire a deeper culture of speed skating. If momentum is sustained through better facilities, coaching, funding, and awareness, the coming years may see India firmly establish itself on the world skating map.
