Did Sports Minister Mandaviya Honor World Championship Medal-Winning Skaters?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic achievement with five medals secured.
- First senior medal in Speed Skating for India.
- Significant junior gold medal win by Krish Sharma.
- Anandkumar Velkumar's two gold medals highlight individual excellence.
- Increased recognition for skating in India.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently celebrated India's triumphant medal-winning team from the 73rd Inline Speed Skating World Championships 2025, which took place in Beidaihe, China, from September 13 to 21.
In a historic achievement for Indian skating, the national squad delivered its finest performance to date, securing a total of five medals (three gold and two bronze), and finishing 5th out of over 40 competing nations.
This landmark occasion was marked by several unprecedented milestones: India’s inaugural senior medal in a Speed Skating World Championship, its first gold in the junior division, and the highest medal count ever recorded by India at these championships.
“These remarkable medals at the World Championships signify that our youth are breaking new barriers, both in mainstream and emerging sports. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our athletes, coaches, support staff, and the Roller-Skating Federation of India for bringing honor to Bharat with this outstanding accomplishment,” Dr. Mandaviya stated during the recognition ceremony for the skaters.
Among the highlights, 22-year-old Anandkumar Velkumar made history as the first Indian to earn a senior medal, clinching two golds—one in the 1000m sprint and another in the 42,195 km marathon. He also secured a bronze in the 500m Sprint.
Additionally, 18-year-old Krish Sharma achieved India's first-ever junior gold medal in the 1000m Sprint, while 17-year-old Anish Raj captured a bronze in the Junior Men’s One Lap Sprint.
In total, 20 Indian athletes represented the nation at the 73rd Inline Speed Skating World Championships 2025, with a diverse contingent comprising four senior men, four senior women, five junior men, and seven junior women competing across 42 events in a championship featuring over 40 countries.
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