CM Vijay congratulates Anandkumar, Tamil Nadu skaters on World Skate Games medals

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay congratulated Anandkumar Velkumar, Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva for their medal-winning performances at the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay, where Anandkumar defended his world title in the senior men's marathon.Anandkumar Velkumar, Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva won medals at the World Skate Games in Paraguay. (Image: X/@CMOTamilNadu)New Delhi,Oct 19, 2026 20:03 ISTTamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday congratulated speed skaters Anandkumar Velkumar, Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva for their medal-winning performances at the World Skate Games 2026 in Asuncion, Paraguay.In a post on X, Vijay extended his wishes to Anandkumar, who won gold in the senior men's 42 km marathon, and to Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva, who secured bronze in the junior women's 3,000 m relay race. CM Vijay congratulated India's skaters. (Image: X/@CMOTamilnadu) The chief minister said the athletes' achievements would serve as an inspiration to younger generations aspiring to excel in sports. He also wished them continued success in their careers."I wish skater Anandkumar, and athletes Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva, who have made Tamil Nadu and India proud by winning medals, many more heights to scale," Vijay said. Anandkumar, who hails from Chennai, successfully defended his world title in the senior men's marathon on October 18. His gold-medal performance capped an impressive campaign at the Games, where he had earlier won bronze in the 500 m event and silver in the 1,000 m category.The marathon triumph further strengthened Anandkumar's position among India's leading speed skaters, with the Chennai athlete adding another world title to his achievements on the international stage. The junior women's relay team of Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva also made history with their bronze-medal finish in the 3,000 m event. Their podium finish marked India's first-ever relay medal at the World Speed Skating Championships, according to the information provided.The result represents a significant milestone for Indian speed skating, particularly in the junior women's category, and offers encouragement for athletes looking to make their mark at 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 being held in Asuncion, Paraguay, with athletes from different countries competing for honours.For Tamil Nadu, the performances of Anandkumar and the junior relay team provided a reason to celebrate on the international stage. Vijay's message recognised their contribution to Indian sport and highlighted the potential of their achievements to motivate aspiring athletes across the state.With Anandkumar defending his world title and the junior women's trio securing a landmark relay medal, India's campaign has produced notable results in speed skating at the Games.- Ends