How Did PM Modi Celebrate the Historic Achievements of Vaishali Rameshbabu and Anandkumar Velkumar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vaishali Rameshbabu won the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025 title.
- She is the first Indian to defend this title successfully.
- Anandkumar Velkumar achieved India's first gold in speed skating.
- Both athletes are set to inspire young sports enthusiasts in India.
- India will have three representatives in the upcoming Candidates Tournament.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu for her remarkable achievement in winning the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025 for the second consecutive time, labeling it an exceptional achievement. He also praised Anandkumar Velkumar for making history as India's first-ever gold medalist in speed skating at the world championship.
On Monday, Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu made headlines by becoming the first Indian to defend her title at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss.
Her victory was sealed after she managed to draw against former Women's World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the final round, concluding the tournament as the sole leader.
In a message on X, PM Modi shared, "Exceptional achievement. Kudos to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her enthusiasm and commitment are commendable. Wishing her the best for her future pursuits."
This triumph has also earned Vaishali a spot in next year's Candidates Tournament, where India will be represented by three players in the women's category: Vaishali, Koneru Humpy, and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh. The Candidates Tournament will determine the challenger for the reigning women's world champion.
Additionally, PM Modi congratulated Anandkumar Velkumar for his golden win in the Senior Men's 1000m Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports.
"I am proud of Anandkumar Velkumar for clinching the Gold in the Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025. His determination, speed, and spirit have made him India's first World Champion in skating. His achievement will motivate many young athletes. Congratulations and best wishes for his future endeavors," PM Modi stated.
Anandkumar Velkumar marked India's first gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships held in China.
The 22-year-old athlete clocked 1:24.924 in the senior men's 1000m sprint, emerging victorious and becoming India's inaugural world champion in this sport.