Kolkata: Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s elite race at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025 on Sunday, while Gulveer Singh and Seema emerged as the top Indian finishers, both setting new national records in their respective categories.
Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic champion and the reigning world record holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m, topped a strong international field with a winning time of 1:11:49. Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, the current world marathon champion, finished second, followed by Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana in third place.
Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw completed the list of winners by claiming the women’s elite title. Posting a time of 1:19:36, she secured her second victory at the event, preventing compatriot Sutume Kebede from achieving a third consecutive win.
In the Indian men’s elite section, Gulveer retained his title for the second consecutive year. He clocked 1:12:06 to rewrite the national record in the 25km road race, improving his own previous mark set on the same course last year. Gulveer also finished fifth overall in the elite men’s race, standing out among a field packed with international athletes at the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. Harmanjot Singh and Sawan Barwal completed the Indian podium.
The Indian women’s elite race saw Seema make a memorable debut over the 25km distance. She crossed the finish line in 1:26:04, establishing a new national record and bettering the previous benchmark held by L Suriya.
