Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata: Cheptegei, Degitu crowned winners; Gulveer, Seema fastest Indians
Uganda’s 5,000m and 10,000m World Record holder Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw recorded convincing wins to take the men’s and women’s crowns respectively, while Gulveer Singh and Seema, the best home runners, rewrote Indian event records in the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on Sunday.
In his ‘second home,’ double Olympic champion Cheptegei clocked 1:11:49 to beat current World marathon champion Alphonce Simbu for a prize money of USD 15,000. Degitu timed 1:19:36 to spoil Sutume Kebede’s plans for a hat-trick of titles. She reclaimed the top spot after eight years.
Following a pre-dawn start, Cheptegei maintained his place among the leaders before clinically steering clear in the final stages. “This victory gives me confidence for my next marathon,” said Cheptegei.
Defying stiff legs, Degitu led the race at 10km, 15km and 20km marks before taking a decisive lead around 22km. The Ethiopian women secured top-nine slots.
Gulveer timed 1:12:06 despite an altered and challenging course. He kept pace with the leading pack of east African runners up to 40-odd minutes before lowering his own record of 1:14:10 set last year.
Indian men’s event winner and record-holder Gulveer Singh (right) with Kenny Bednarek, the international event ambassador.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Indian men’s event winner and record-holder Gulveer Singh (right) with Kenny Bednarek, the international event ambassador.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Gulveer, who finished a creditable overall fifth, bagged the winner’s cheque of ₹3,00,000 and an event record bonus of ₹1,00,000. “Records come with consistency. There are no shortcuts,” said Gulveer.
Second-placed Harmanjot was 10th overall.
Dominating the race, World University Games silver medallist Seema registered 1:26:04 to break L.Suriya’s 2017 record of 1:26:53 to be the first among Indian women and 10th overall. Defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav was a distant second.
RESULTS
International: Men: 1. Joshua Cheptegei (Uga) 1:11:49, 2. Alphonce Simbu (Tan) 1:11:56, 3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lso) 1:11:59;
Women: 1. Degitu Azimeraw (Eth) 1:19:36, 2. Sutume Kebede (Eth) 1:20:28, 3. Meselech Alemayehu (Eth) 1:20:48.
Indian: Men: 1. Gulveer Singh 1:12:06, 2. Harmanjot Singh 1:15:11, 3. Sawan Barwal 1:15:25; Women: 1. Seema 1:26:04, 2. Sanjivani Jadhav 1:30:34, 3. Nirmaben Thakor 1:32:02.
Published on Dec 21, 2025