Kolkata, December 20, 2025: A thrilling Indian Elite battle is on the cards at the landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, as 10000m & 5000m national record holder Gulveer Singh and Sanjivani Jadhav, defending men’s and women’s champions respectively prepare to take centre stage at one of the world’s fastest 25K courses on Sunday, December 21.
The landmark 10th edition will witness some of the world’s best athletes take centre stage at the US$142,214 prize money race. With equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners, the top three winners each stand to win INR 3,00,000, INR 2,50,000 and INR 2,00,000, respectively. The runners will be further incentivised by an Event Record Bonus of INR 1,00,000.
With over 23,000 participants registered for this milestone edition, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K road race, continues to raise the bar for Indian distance running, offering elite athletes a global platform to compete, excel, and challenge records.
Leading the men’s field is Gulveer Singh, India’s 10,000m and 5,000m national record holder and the reigning Indian Elite champion at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, 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.”
Sawan Barwal, multiple national gold medalist and former Tata Steel World 25K winner in 2023, said, “Competition motivates me to push harder and understand my true limits. Road races help in building the strength that matters the most on the track.”
The women’s race is equally poised for a gripping battle, headlined by defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav, one of India’s most accomplished long-distance runners. A two-time Tata Steel World 25K winner, Sanjivani arrives in strong form and will be eager to defend her title once again on a course she knows well.
“Returning as champion to the track is pure motivation for me and not pressure. I compete against myself, and this time my aim is clear, setting a new event record.” Said Sanjivani.
Standing in her way is Seema, winner of the 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon among Indian elites and one of the fastest Indian women over long distances this season.
Seema added, “My preparation is good and this time I want to perform better than my previous year. Racing against experienced athletes here is a learning opportunity and step forward.”
With national champions, international medallists, 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 for the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025
MEN
1. Gulveer Singh (1998) (PB 1:14:10)
2. Sawan Barwal (1998) (PB 1:14:11)
3. Gaurav Mathur (1999) (PB 1:16:59)
4. Abhishek Pal (1997) (PB 1:17:52)
5. Hemant Singh (2001) (PB 1:19:02)
6. Kartik Karkera (1997) (PB 1:19:03)
7. Puneet Yadav (2002) (Debut)
8. Harmanjot Singh (1995) (Debut)
WOMEN
1. Sanjivani Jadhav (1996) (PB 1:29:12)
2. Lili Das (1998) (PB 1:31:03)
3. Seema (2001) (PB 1:32:07)
4. Nirmaben Thakor (1997) (PB 1:32:40)
5. Bhagirathi (2001) (PB 1:36:21)
6. Phoolan Pal (1996) (PB 1:40:09)
7. Aarti Pawara ( 2004) (Debut)
8.Ujala (1998) (Debut)
