Kolkata, 19 Dec 2025: Sundrenched streets pulse with anticipation as the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata ignites today, pitting India’s top distance runners against one of the globe’s swiftest 25K circuits in this World Athletics Gold Label spectacle.

Over 23,000 enthusiasts flood the start line, but eyes lock on the elite showdowns. Gulveer Singh, the 10,000m and 5,000m national record crusher and reigning men’s titlist, radiates focus. “Pressure? None. Just hunger to eclipse last year’s stride, evolve, and bag national honors,” he shared pre-race.

Sawan Barwal, the 2023 conqueror and serial national champ, thrives on the fray. “Rivals sharpen my edge; these roads forge the power tracks demand,” Barwal noted.

Women’s frontrunner Sanjivani Jadhav, double defending queen, channels inner fire. “Champ status fuels me—aiming to etch a fresh record while battling my shadow,” she affirmed.

Hot on her heels, Seema—triumphant at the 2025 Vedanta Delhi Half—simmers with resolve. “Prep’s peak; outpacing prior runs amid veterans spells progress.”

A US$142,214 bounty tempts, equal for genders: INR 3 lakh tops, INR 2.5 lakh silver, INR 2 lakh bronze, plus INR 1 lakh record smash. Champions, rookies, and medalists collide for epic drama.

Men’s Elite Contenders:

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’s Elite Contenders:

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)