Indian distance runners shine as Gulveer and Seema smash national records at World 25K

India’s distance runners made a powerful statement at the World 25K on Sunday, as Gulveer Singh and Seema delivered record-breaking performances that underscored the country’s rising stature in long-distance road racing. While Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei claimed the international elite men’s crown in commanding fashion, it was the Indian contingent that emerged as the defining story of a crisp winter morning in Kolkata.

Cheptegei, the double Olympic champion, controlled the international elite men’s race from the outset to secure his maiden World 25K title in 1:11:49. He finished just ahead of Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Siumbu (1:11:56) and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana (1:11:59) after the trio ran together for much of the race. Although the course record of 1:11:13, set in 2023, remained untouched, Cheptegei’s decisive surge over the final four kilometres sealed a composed and authoritative victory.

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“Winning mattered more than the record for me. Coming back to Kolkata and winning is special. I have won in Bangalore, and this was a big race with world-class athletes. This victory gives me confidence and positivity as I prepare for my next marathon,” Cheptegei said.

In the international elite women’s race, Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw produced a commanding front-running effort to reclaim the title she last won in 2017. Azimeraw led from the start and crossed the line in 1:19:36, finishing comfortably ahead of defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede (1:20:28), with Meselech Alemayehu third in 1:20:48. While Sutume retained the course record, Azimeraw’s dominance left the result beyond doubt well before the finish.

“It wasn’t the plan initially—it felt a little crazy. My legs were stiff, so I focused on staying strong. But after 10 km, my legs felt better, and I kept building my pace. With that, I won. I am very happy,” Azimeraw said.

The warmest applause, however, was reserved for the Indian elite races, where Gulveer Singh and Seema delivered performances that reflected both progress and promise. Gulveer was in a class of his own in the Indian elite men’s field, smashing his own course record by more than two minutes. He clocked 1:12:06, eclipsing his previous mark of 1:14:10, set last year.

Running with effortless rhythm, Gulveer pulled away early and was already a minute clear by the 15 km mark. His lead continued to widen, with Harmanjot Singh (1:15:11) and Sawan Barwal (1:15:25) trailing well behind.

“Records aren’t created just like that. They come from consistency. With strong support, dedicated coaches, and relentless training, the only goal is to be better than yesterday. I don’t believe in setting ceilings for myself—diet, workout, and rest are all I focus on.

“Nothing else matters. Progress takes time. There are no shortcuts. India is rising—step by step, race by race. The journey is long, and I’m just getting started,” Gulveer said.

Seema was equally dominant in the Indian elite women’s race, breaking an eight-year-old course record with a time of 1:26:04. The Asian cross-country champion steadily built her lead and finished more than four minutes ahead of Sanjivani Jadhav (1:30:34), with Nirmaben Thakor third in 1:32:02. Her composed run and strong finish reflected meticulous preparation and discipline.

“The route has changed and become more challenging. But I came here to win. I am very happy to set the course record, though I feel I could have done even better on the previous route. Winning requires discipline and sacrifice, and I have been committed to that. My next target is to qualify for the Asian and Commonwealth Games next year,” Seema said.