Anandkumar Velkumar is a young and talented speed skater from Tamil Nadu, India. Born on January 19, 2003, he began skating at the age of six on a cement badminton court near his home. With limited resources but strong determination, Anandkumar trained hard and slowly rose through the ranks in Indian roller sports.
In 2021, he became the first Indian to win a medal at any World Championship in speed skating, earning a silver at the Junior World Championships. His biggest achievement came in September 2025, when he won a gold medal in the senior men’s 1000m sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China. This made him India’s first-ever world champion in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Anandkumar was born on January 19, 2003, in Tamil Nadu, India. He grew up in a modest home with a loving family. His early years were filled with simple joys and strong values. From a young age, Anandkumar showed signs of being active and curious. He loved playing outside and was always full of energy.
His hometown in Tamil Nadu didn’t have big sports facilities. But that didn’t stop him. He found ways to stay active and explore his interests. His family noticed his love for movement and supported him in every way they could. Even though skating was not a popular sport in his area, Anandkumar found a way to make it part of his life.
Family and Influences
Anandkumar’s father, Velkumar, has been a strong pillar in his life. In interviews, he shared how Anandkumar started skating on a cement court. It was not easy, but his father made sure he had time and space to practice. He woke up early with Anandkumar, helped him train, and encouraged him every step of the way.
Anandkumar’s sister, Subi Suvetha Velkumar, is also a skater. She competed at the national level and was one of Anandkumar’s first inspirations. Watching her train and win medals made him want to do the same. She showed him that skating was not just a hobby—it could be a career. Subi and Anandkumar share a close bond.
Anandkumar Velkumar Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anandkumar Velkumar |
| Date of Birth | 19 January 2003 (Sunday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 22 Years |
| Birthplace | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Hometown | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height (approx.) | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 65 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Education | Pursuing B.Tech in Computer Science |
| College/University | College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Father’s Name | Velkumar |
| Sister’s Name | Subi Suvetha Velkumar (National-level skater) |
| Hobbies | Cycling, Swimming, Spending time with friends |
| Sport | Inline Speed Skating |
| Started Skating At Age | 6 |
| Training Background | Practiced on cement badminton court; trained early mornings |
| Coach/Mentor (2025) | Luca Presti (Italy) |
| International Debut | 2021 Junior World Championship |
| Major Achievements | – First Indian to win medal at any World Championship (2021, Junior level) |
| – Bronze in 3000m relay at 2022 Asian Games | |
| – Bronze in 1000m sprint at 2025 World Games | |
| – Gold in 1000m sprint at 2025 Speed Skating World Championship | |
| – Bronze in 500m sprint at 2025 Speed Skating World Championship | |
| @.anandkumar./ | |
| Wikipedia | @Anandkumar_Velkumar |
Physical Attributes
Anandkumar stands tall at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs around 65 kilograms. These physical traits are ideal for a speed skater. His height gives him a long stride, and his lean build helps him move quickly and smoothly on the rink.
Anandkumar has black eyes and black hair. These features are common among people from Tamil Nadu, and they reflect his roots. He keeps his hair short and neat, and his appearance is always clean and professional.
Education and Academic Pursuits
Anandkumar is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai. This college is one of the oldest and most respected engineering institutions in India. Balancing academics with a demanding sports career is never easy, but Anandkumar has managed to do both with grace and discipline.
His professors describe him as a focused and curious student. Even though he spends a lot of time training and traveling for competitions, he never misses important lectures or assignments. He often studies during travel or late at night after practice. His classmates admire his dedication and often say that he brings the same energy to his studies as he does to the skating rink.
Introduction to Skating
Anandkumar began skating when he was just six years old. His first experience was on a toy skate near his house. He didn’t have proper gear or a coach, but he loved the feeling of moving fast. His sister, Subi Suvetha, was already training in skating, and watching her made him want to try it too.
He started practicing on a cement badminton court. It was rough and not meant for skating, but he didn’t mind. He would wake up early in the morning and train before school. His father helped him get started and supported him every day.
Early Competitions
Anandkumar’s first competitions were at the district level. He didn’t win every time, but he kept improving. By the age of 8, he won his first national gold medal in the 8–10 age category. This was a big moment for him and his family.
He joined the national team in 2018 and started competing in international events. His performance in the 2018 World Championships was modest, but it gave him valuable experience. He finished 39th in the 10,000m road race and 88th in the marathon. These results didn’t discourage him—they motivated him to train harder.
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Rise Through the Ranks
Velkumar’s journey from a small cement court in Tamil Nadu to the world stage is nothing short of remarkable. His first competitions were local, where he raced against other children in district-level events. These early races helped him understand the basics of speed, balance, and competition. He didn’t win every time, but he learned something from each race.
As he improved, Anandkumar started competing at the state level. He began to win medals and gain attention. By the age of 8, he had already won a national gold medal in the 8–10 age category, a sign that he was ready for bigger challenges. In 2018, at just 15 years old, Anandkumar was selected for the Indian national team. Winning his first national gold medal was a proud moment for Anandkumar and his family.
International Debut and Breakthrough
Anandkumar made his international debut at the 2021 Junior World Championship, competing in the 15 km elimination event. This was a huge step for him. He was now racing against the best young skaters from around the world. The pressure was high, but Anandkumar stayed calm and focused.
In this event, he made history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal at any World Championship in speed skating. He won a silver medal, and the news spread quickly across India. Sports fans and media outlets celebrated the achievement. It was a proud moment not just for Anandkumar but for the entire country.
Asian Games 2022 – Bronze Medal
On 2 October 2023, Anandkumar was part of India’s bronze medal-winning men’s 3000 m relay team at the 2022 Asian Games. This was another major achievement. The Asian Games are one of the biggest sports events in the continent, and winning a medal there is a big deal.
The relay team worked hard for months before the event. They trained together, built trust, and planned their strategy. Anandkumar played a key role in the team’s success. His speed and timing helped India secure the bronze medal.
World Games 2025 – Chengdu Triumph
In August 2025, Anandkumar competed at the World Games in Chengdu, China, and won a bronze medal in the 1000 m sprint. This was India’s first-ever medal in roller sports at the World Games, making it a historic moment.
He was part of a strong team that included Vikram Rajendra Ingale and Siddhant Rahul Kamble. Together, they trained under international coaches and followed a strict routine. The competition was tough, but Anandkumar’s experience and skill helped him shine.
Speed Skating World Championship 2025 – Historic Gold
On September 15, 2025, Anandkumar made history at the Speed Skating World Championships in Beidaihe, China. Competing in the senior men’s 1000m sprint, he clocked a time of 1:24.924, becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold medal at any senior-level World Championship in speed skating.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a moment that changed the story of Indian roller sports. Until now, India had never reached the top of the podium in this sport. Anandkumar’s victory proved that Indian athletes could compete and win at the highest level. His gold medal was celebrated across the country, with messages pouring in from fans, fellow athletes, and even the Prime Minister.
Coaching and Mentorship
Anandkumar’s coaching journey began on a cement badminton court near his home. His first coach was Anna Raja, who helped him learn the basics of skating. Later, he trained under Satya Sir at the Sathya Speed Skating Academy (SSSA) in Tamil Nadu. These early coaches played a big role in shaping his skills and mindset.
Training at SSSA gave Anandkumar access to better equipment and structured routines. The academy was supported by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), which helped him attend national and international events. This support was crucial in his growth as an athlete. In 2025, Anandkumar began training under Luca Presti, an Italian coach known for working with top-level skaters.
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