Indian athletics witnessed a groundbreaking moment as 17-year-old Nitin Gupta clocked 19:24.48 in the men’s 5000m racewalk, becoming the first Indian ever to break the 20-minute barrier in this event.
Competing at the Youth Athletics Championships 2025, Gupta not only won the National U18 title but also shattered the national record (NR) in the process.
His performance now ranks as the third-fastest ever in the world in the U18 category—a remarkable feat that cements his status as one of the brightest young racewalkers in global athletics.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Racewalking
Gupta’s record-breaking performance is a testament to India’s growing dominance in racewalking. The Uttar Pradesh athlete, who has been making waves in the junior circuit, has now placed himself among the world’s elite. His 19:24.48 finish not only surpassed the national record but also rewrote history by making him the fastest Indian U18 athlete in the event.
His achievements at the Youth Athletics Championships 2025 include:
✅ Gold Medal & National U18 Champion 🥇
✅ First Indian to clock a sub-20 time in 5000m racewalk
✅ New National Record 🇮🇳
✅ Third-fastest U18 time ever in the world 🌍
✅ Qualification for the Youth Asian Championship 🎟️
The Journey of a Rising Star
Nitin Gupta’s rise in racewalking has been nothing short of phenomenal. The reigning National Junior Champion (December 2024) has been steadily improving under the guidance of Basant Rana, a former Olympian and one of India’s most respected race walking coaches.
Training at the Army Sports Institute (ASI) Pune, Gupta shares his training ground with top race walkers like Ram Babu and Servin Sebastian, both of whom have represented India at international events.
Gupta’s progression over the past year has been marked by consistent performances, and his ability to break the 20-minute barrier at just 17 years old speaks volumes about his potential. The rigorous training regime at ASI Pune, combined with his disciplined approach, has helped him refine his technique, endurance, and race strategy—key factors that contributed to his record-breaking run.
How Gupta Achieved This Feat
Racewalking is one of the most technical disciplines in athletics, requiring a unique blend of speed, endurance, and impeccable technique. Gupta’s race strategy in the 5000m final showcased his maturity beyond his years.
• Fast Start, Controlled Pace: He started aggressively but maintained a consistent pace to avoid early burnout.
• Perfect Technique: His ability to keep one foot on the ground at all times and avoid penalties was crucial in maintaining speed.
• Strong Finish: Despite the intense competition, Gupta displayed tremendous stamina in the final kilometers, ensuring he finished well within the sub-20 mark.
India’s Growing Legacy in Racewalking
India has steadily emerged as a powerhouse in racewalking, with athletes like Sandeep Kumar, Priyanka Goswami, and Akshdeep Singh making headlines in international events. The country’s success in 20km and 35km racewalking events at the Asian Games and Olympics has inspired a new generation of athletes.
Gupta’s achievement adds to this legacy, signaling that the future of Indian racewalking is in safe hands. With racewalking gaining popularity, young talents like him are proving that India can compete with the best on the global stage.
What’s Next for Nitin Gupta?
With this historic performance, Gupta has secured his spot at the upcoming Youth Asian Championship, where he will have the opportunity to compete against the best U18 racewalkers in Asia. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could soon be representing India at the World U20 Championships and eventually the Olympics.
For now, Nitin Gupta stands tall as India’s newest athletics sensation, a record-breaker, and a future star. His sub-20 breakthrough is not just a personal triumph but a historic milestone for Indian athletics. The journey has just begun, and all eyes will be on this young champion as he aims for greater glory on the international stage!
