A thrilling Indian Elite contest is set to unfold at the 10th edition of the World 25K Kolkata, as 10000m & 5000m national record holder Gulveer Singh and Sanjivani Jadhav, defending men’s and women’s champions respectively, are ready to headline the action on one of the world’s fastest 25K courses on Sunday.
This edition of the race will bring together an elite international field alongside India’s best, competing for a total prize purse of US$142,214. Maintaining its commitment to parity, the event offers equal prize money for men and women, with the top three finishers set to earn Rs 3,00,000, Rs 2,50,000 and Rs 2,00,000, respectively, in addition to an Event Record Bonus of Rs 1,00,000.
With more than 23,000 runners registered, the World 25K Kolkata, the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K road race is the perfect platform for distance running, giving Indian elites the opportunity to test themselves against world-class competition and established benchmarks.
Gulveer, the reigning Indian Elite champion at this event, said he’s focused on progression rather than pressure. “There is no pressure, only the desire to do better than last year, step by step. I am thinking beyond records, focusing on personal growth and winning medals for the country,” he said.
Challenging him will be Sawan Barwal, a multiple national gold medallist and the 2023 World 25K Kolkata champion, who views the race as an opportunity to sharpen his competitive edge.
“Competition motivates me to push harder and understand my true limits. Road races help in building the strength that matters the most on the track,” Barwal said.
The women’s Indian Elite race promises an equally intense battle, spearheaded by defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav. A two-time winner of the event, Sanjivani returns in confident form and eager to extend her dominance on familiar roads.
“Returning as champion to the track is pure motivation for me and not pressure. I compete against myself, and this time my aim is clear, setting a new event record,” she said.
Standing between Sanjivani and another title is Seema, the 2025 Delhi Half Marathon Indian Elite winner, who has been among the most consistent long-distance performers this season.
“My preparation is good and this time I want to perform better than my previous year. Racing against experienced athletes here is a learning opportunity and step forward,” Seema said.