CM Vijay congratulates Tamil Nadu skaters Anandkumar for winning World Skate Games medals
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday congratulated speed skaters Anandkumar Velkumar, Lakshit, Pragathi and Rutva for their medal performances at the 2026 World Skating Games in Asuncion, Paraguay.
In his post at X, Vijay extended his wishes to Anandkumar who won gold in the senior 42km marathon and Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva who secured bronze in the junior women’s 3000m relay. CM Vijay congratulated the Indian skaters. (Image: X/@CMOTamilnadu)
The Chief Minister said that the achievements of the athletes will serve as an inspiration to the younger generations who aspire to excel in sports. He also wished them further success in their careers.
“I wish many more heights to skater Anandkumar and athletes Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva who have made Tamil Nadu and India proud by winning medals,” Vijay said.
Anandkumar, who hails from Chennai, successfully defended his World Senior Marathon title on 18 October. His gold medal performance capped off an impressive campaign at the Games, where he previously won bronze in the 500m and silver in the 1000m category.
The marathon triumph further strengthened Anandkumar’s position among India’s leading speed skaters, with the Chennai-based athlete adding another world title to his achievements on the international stage.
The relay team of juniors Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva also made history by placing bronze in the 3000m. Their podium finish marked India’s first-ever relay medal at the World Speed Skating Championships, according to the information provided.
The result marks a significant milestone for Indian speed skating, especially in the junior women’s category, and offers encouragement to athletes who want to make it big in international competitions.
The World Skate Games bring together competitors across skateboarding, roller sports and other disciplines under the international governing body for skating. The 2026 edition is held in Asunción, Paraguay, with athletes from different countries competing for the award.
For Tamil Nadu, the performances of Anandkumar and the junior relay were a cause for celebration on the international stage. Vijay’s message acknowledged their contribution to Indian sports and highlighted the potential of their achievements to motivate budding athletes across the state.
With Anandkumar defending his world title and the junior women’s trio securing a landmark relay medal, India’s speed skating campaign has produced remarkable results at the Games.
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