The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has quietly grown into one of the most important road races on the global calendar, and its landmark 10th edition on Sunday, December 21, promises to be a fitting finale to Indian athletics in 2025.
As the last major domestic athletics event of the year, the race brings together international superstars, a deep Indian elite field, and over 23,000 runners on what is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest 25K courses.
Recognised as the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K road race, the Kolkata event has become a vital platform for Indian distance runners to test themselves against global benchmarks. With a total prize purse of USD 142,214 and equal prize money for men and women, the race offers both prestige and tangible reward. The top three finishers in each elite category will earn INR 3 lakh, INR 2.5 lakh and INR 2 lakh respectively, with an additional INR 1 lakh event record bonus adding further incentive.
Gulveer Singh Leads a Strong Indian Men’s Challenge
At the heart of the Indian elite battle is Gulveer Singh, the national record holder in the men’s 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m. Gulveer returns to Kolkata as the reigning Indian Elite champion after setting a meet record of 1:14:10 last year, a performance that underlined his smooth transition from the track to longer road distances.
For Gulveer, the focus is not just on defending a title but on sustained progression. “There is no pressure, only the desire to do better than last year step by step,” he said ahead of the race. “I am thinking beyond records, focusing on personal growth and winning medals for the country.” His measured approach reflects the maturity of an athlete who has already redefined Indian standards on the track and now seeks consistency at elite road events.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Challenging him closely will be Sawan Barwal, a multiple national gold medallist and the 2023 Tata Steel World 25K champion. Barwal’s personal best of 1:14:11 puts him virtually level with Gulveer on paper, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling duel. Known for his strength over longer distances, Barwal sees road races as a crucial component of his development. “Competition motivates me to push harder and understand my true limits,” he said. “Road races help in building the strength that matters the most on the track.”
Adding further depth to the men’s field are Gaurav Mathur (PB 1:16:59) and Abhishek Pal (PB 1:17:52), both capable of capitalising if the race dynamics open up. Younger names like Hemant Singh and Kartik Karkera, along with debutants Puneet Yadav and Harmanjot Singh, highlight the growing pipeline of Indian male endurance runners ready to test themselves at the elite level.
Women’s Race: Sanjivani Jadhav Eyes Another Kolkata Crown
The women’s Indian Elite race is equally compelling, led by defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav, one of India’s most accomplished long-distance runners. A two-time winner of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, Sanjivani arrives with a personal best of 1:29:12 and a clear objective. “Returning as champion to the track is pure motivation for me and not pressure,” she said. “I compete against myself, and this time my aim is clear setting a new event record.”
Standing in her path is Seema, winner of the Indian Elite title at the 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and one of the fastest Indian women this season over long distances. With a personal best of 1:32:07, Seema represents the new wave of Indian women distance runners who are rapidly closing the gap to the established names. “My preparation is good and this time I want to perform better than my previous year,” she said. “Racing against experienced athletes here is a learning opportunity and a step forward.”
Also in contention are Lili Das, Nirmaben Thakor, and emerging talents like Bhagirathi, while debutants Aarti Pawara and Ujala add an element of unpredictability to the field.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Beyond the Indian elite races, the Kolkata event boasts a glittering international lineup, with men’s marathon world champion Alphonce Simbu and double Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei headlining the global field. Their presence elevates the race’s stature and reinforces its role as a bridge between Indian athletes and the world’s best.
What makes the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata particularly significant is its timing and context. As the final Indian athletics event of 2025, it offers athletes one last opportunity to assess their progress, gain international exposure, and end the season on a high. For Indian distance running, the race has consistently delivered fast times, confidence-boosting performances, and a clear reminder that Indian athletes belong on global start lines.
As Kolkata readies itself for race day, with meticulous planning and a festival-like atmosphere, the 10th edition stands as a celebration of how far Indian road running has come. With depth, drama, and genuine quality across both men’s and women’s fields, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata once again promises to be more than just a race — it is a statement of ambition for Indian athletics.
