Kolkata: A thrilling Indian Elite battle is on the cards at the landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, as national record holder Gulveer Singh and defending champions Sanjivani Jadhav (women) and Gulveer himself (men) prepare to take centre stage on one of the world’s fastest 25K courses on Sunday, December 21.
The milestone edition will showcase some of the world’s best distance runners, competing for a total prize purse of USD 142,214. With equal prize money for men and women in the Indian Elite category, the top three finishers will earn INR 3,00,000, INR 2,50,000 and INR 2,00,000, respectively. An additional INR 1,00,000 Event Record Bonus will further raise the stakes.
With over 23,000 participants registered, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata—the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K road race—continues to elevate Indian distance running by providing elite athletes a global platform to compete, excel, and challenge records.
Leading the men’s Indian Elite field is Gulveer Singh, India’s 10,000m and 5,000m national record holder and reigning champion at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. Speaking ahead of the race, Gulveer said:
“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.”
Challenging him will be Sawan Barwal, multiple national gold medallist and winner of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata in 2023, who believes road racing plays a vital role in building competitive strength.
“Competition motivates me to push harder and understand my true limits. Road races help build the strength that matters most on the track,” Barwal said.
The women’s Indian Elite race is equally poised for an intense contest, headlined by defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav, one of India’s most accomplished long-distance runners and a two-time Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata winner. Returning in strong form, Sanjivani is eager to defend her crown on a course she knows well.
“Returning as champion is pure motivation for me, not pressure. I compete against myself, and this time my aim is clear—setting a new event record,” she said.
Standing in her way is Seema, winner of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 (Indian Elite) and one of the fastest Indian women over long distances this season.
“My preparation has been good, and this time I want to perform better than last year. Racing against experienced athletes here is a learning opportunity and a step forward,” Seema added.
With national champions, international medallists, promising debutants and seasoned performers sharing the start line, the Indian Elite races at the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata promise depth, drama and high-quality competition.
Indian Elite Field – Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025
MEN
- Gulveer Singh (1998) – PB: 1:14:10
- Sawan Barwal (1998) – PB: 1:14:11
- Gaurav Mathur (1999) – PB: 1:16:59
- Abhishek Pal (1997) – PB: 1:17:52
- Hemant Singh (2001) – PB: 1:19:02
- Kartik Karkera (1997) – PB: 1:19:03
- Puneet Yadav (2002) – Debut
- Harmanjot Singh (1995) – Debut
WOMEN
- Sanjivani Jadhav (1996) – PB: 1:29:12
- Lili Das (1998) – PB: 1:31:03
- Seema (2001) – PB: 1:32:07
- Nirmaben Thakor (1997) – PB: 1:32:40
- Bhagirathi (2001) – PB: 1:36:21
- Phoolan Pal (1996) – PB: 1:40:09
- Aarti Pawara (2004) – Debut
- Ujala (1998) – Debut
