Indian race walker Priyanka Goswami has etched her name in the history books by setting a new national record in the women’s 35km race walk.
By clocking 2:56:34 at the 44th Dudinska 50, a prestigious World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold meet held in Slovakia.
This performance eclipses the previous record of 2:57:54—held by Manju Rani and still pending ratification by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)—and marks a phenomenal improvement in Priyanka’s career.
A Remarkable Leap in Performance
Priyanka’s outstanding performance at Dudinska 50 is underscored by an impressive reduction in her personal best time.
Previously, she had recorded a time of 3:13:19, meaning her new mark represents an improvement of over 16 minutes. Such a significant enhancement not only highlights her rigorous training regimen but also her exceptional endurance and mental fortitude in a sport where every second is critical.
Notably, Priyanka now holds the national records in both the 20km and 35km race walk events, underscoring her dominance and versatility in long-distance race walking.
Her 20km national record—set at 1:28:45 during the 2021 National Open Race Walking Championships in Jharkhand—has long been a benchmark for aspiring race walkers in India.
The Dudinska 50: A Stage for Elite Competition
The Dudinska 50 is renowned for its high level of competition and its role as a key event on the global race walking calendar.
Despite facing a formidable international field, Priyanka managed to secure the 11th position overall. Finishing in a highly competitive environment and setting a new record simultaneously demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and signals her potential to challenge for medals in future international meets.
Priyanka’s Athletic Journey and Achievements
Priyanka Goswami’s journey in race walking has been nothing short of inspirational. Over the years, she has represented India on several international platforms, including the Tokyo Olympics and multiple Asian Championships. Her accolades include:
• National Record Holder in both 20km and 35km Race Walk events
• Olympian, with experience on the world’s biggest stage
• Medalist at the Commonwealth Games and other international meets
• Consistent performer in World Athletics Race Walking Tour events
These accomplishments reflect her unwavering dedication and the continuous evolution of her technique and endurance. Her recent record-breaking performance at Dudinska 50 is yet another milestone in a career that continues to inspire and motivate athletes across India.
Reflecting on the Olympic Cycle and Looking Ahead
While the recent 35km record is a standout achievement, it is important to note that Priyanka’s journey has not been without challenges. In a subsequent 20km race walk event, she finished in a lower position compared to her previous performances.
However, such setbacks are often part of an athlete’s development process. With the most recent Olympic cycle now behind us, the focus for Priyanka and her coaching team is on refining her strategies and addressing the areas that require improvement.
Moving forward, Priyanka aims to use the momentum from her record-setting performance to better her results in upcoming international competitions.
Her experience, coupled with her record-breaking form, positions her as a key contender for future global events. The lessons learned from both her highs and lows will undoubtedly contribute to her continued progress and refinement in race walking.
Final Thoughts
Priyanka Goswami’s new national record of 2:56:34 in the women’s 35km race walk is a monumental achievement for Indian athletics. This performance not only sets a new benchmark but also symbolises the remarkable strides India is making in the field of race walking.
As Priyanka continues to push her limits and redefine what is possible, her journey will serve as an inspiration for both current and future athletes.
Congratulations to Priyanka Goswami on this historic accomplishment—her record-breaking performance is a proud moment for Indian sports and a beacon for aspiring race walkers everywhere.
