Avikshit becomes first Indian to qualify for Ice Skating World Cup

Avikshit clocked an impressive 38.30 seconds at International Thialf competition.

Avikshit becomes first Indian to qualify for Ice Skating World Cup in long-track speed skating, breaking personal bests at Thialf.

India has entered uncharted territory in winter sports, with Avikshit becoming the first-ever Indian to qualify for the prestigious Ice Skating World Cup in long-track ice speed skating. The 20-year-old achieved this landmark feat at the International Thialf competition in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

Competing in the men’s 500m event, he clocked an impressive 38.30 seconds, comfortably surpassing the minimum qualifying standard of 38.50 seconds. His performance not only secured him a spot at the World Cup but also underlined his rapid rise in a sport with little tradition or infrastructure in India.

At Thialf, the Indian skater not only secured World Cup qualification in the 500m but also smashed his personal best in the 1000m, showcasing his growing international competitiveness.

Avikshit has been steadily building his credentials. Earlier this year, he clinched gold at the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg with a timing of 51.45 seconds in the men’s long track 500m event. That victory gave a glimpse of his potential on ice, which he has now carried onto the international stage.

Also Read: India’s Anandkumar Velkumar wins historic gold at 2025 Speed Skating World Championships

His journey has been marked by multiple firsts for India. At the 2023 Asian Junior Championships, he became the country’s first-ever gold medalist in speed skating at a continental level, completing a medal set with gold, silver, and bronze. Shortly after, he transitioned from inline to ice speed skating.

For India, where winter sports receive limited attention, this qualification represents a significant step forward. Asian Junior Champion’s achievement not only places the country on the global ice skating map but also serves as an inspiration for future athletes to dream beyond conventional boundaries.

With the Ice Skating World Cup beckoning, the 19-year-old Indian has already etched his name in history. The next challenge lies in competing against the world’s best and proving that an athlete from India can make a mark on ice.

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