Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 24: India delivered a landmark performance at the 73rd Inline Speed Skating World Championships 2025 held in Beidaihe, China, securing its best-ever medal tally with five medals — three gold and two bronze — and finishing 5th overall among 40+ nations.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, overseeing Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, felicitated the medal-winning team in New Delhi, calling the achievement a “watershed moment” for Indian skating and a testament to the rising potential of India’s youth in emerging sports.
The championships saw a series of historic firsts for India:
• Anandkumar Velkumar (22) became the first Indian to win a senior medal, capturing two golds — in the 1000m sprint and the 42.195 km marathon — and a bronze in the 500m sprint.
• Krish Sharma (18) clinched India’s first junior gold in the 1000m sprint.
• Anish Raj (17) secured a bronze in the Junior Men’s One Lap Sprint.
The Indian contingent featured 20 athletes, including senior and junior competitors across both men's and women's categories. With 42 events on the schedule and participation from over 40 countries, India's 5th-place finish marks a significant leap forward in global competitive skating.
Dr. Mandaviya commended the athletes, coaches, support staff, and the Roller Skating Federation of India, stating that their efforts have brought "glory to Bharat" and signaled India’s growing strength in international sporting arenas.