Indian Sports Wrap, March 16: Kibet and Chelangat among favourites for TCS World 10K Bengaluru

ATHLETICS

Ugandan Harbet Kibet leads the men’s category while Sarah Chelangat eyes back-to-back titles in TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Some of the world’s finest runners are set to descend upon Bengaluru for the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, scheduled for Sunday, April 26. The World Athletics Gold Label Race boasts a total prize purse of USD 210,000, with USD 26,000 for the winner in the men’s and women’s categories, along with significant bonuses for course record performances. 

Headlining the men’s category is Ugandan Harbert Kibet. The 20-year-old Kibet, a finalist at the World Junior Athletics Championships two years ago, made his first appearance in the 10K earlier this year, winning emphatically in the Spanish town of Castellon with a world-leading 26:39, which is, incidentally, the sixth-fastest time ever for the event.   

While Kibet is one of the five athletes entered with a sub-27-minute time this year, a total of 11 athletes with personal bests faster than the Bengaluru course record of 27:38 are also in the fray.  

“It is my first time in India, and in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, I want the most out of it as I am in tremendous form,” revealed Harbert Kibet. 

Kibet will face a stiff challenge from Ethiopian Khairi Bejiga (26:51) and two platinum-level runners, Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi and another Ethiopian, Gemechu Dida. 

Kwizera was a silver medalist in Bengaluru two years ago, while Dida took a notable second spot in the RAK half-marathon in early 2026. Similarly, his teammate Tadese Worku, the fifth runner to clock sub-27 minutes, is also familiar with the Bengaluru roads, as he finished in silver in 2022. 

Also in the fray will be the two-time world 5000m champion, Muktar Edris. 

Defending champion Sarah Chelangat returns to defend her crown. If she succeeds, it will be the second instance of two consecutive titles (previously achieved by Agnes Tirop in 2018 and 2019). The Ugandan runner claimed the top of the podium, clocking 31:07 in 2025. 

“TCS World 10K Bengaluru is close to my heart, and I would like to triumph another time in this beautiful city”, said Chelangat. 

The early entries from elite ladies also show a strong Kenyan presence. Incidentally, the Kenyans have won 10 of the 15 women’s titles decided in Bengaluru so far.   

As in the men’s field, the fastest 2026 runner in this event, Brenda Jepchirchir, is leading the entries with a Valencia 10K winning time of 29:25. However, the 2024 Bengaluru champion Lilian Rengeruk Kasait is also making a comeback this time and will be a serious threat to others for the top spot.   

Another entrant from Kenya is the World steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, who won the Gold label Port Gentil 10K in Gabon, three years ago.   

Cintia Chepngeno, who won silver in the Bengaluru and Shanghai 10K last year, will add further octane to the women’s race, making it memorable.

-Team Sportstar

E-SPORTS

ISGL Mumbai Qualifier Produces Five Winners Across Four Titles to Represent Mumbai City FC

The Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL) kicked off its nationwide qualifier circuit in Mumbai this weekend, with the city producing the first set of gamers who will go on to represent Mumbai City FC in the league’s inaugural season.

Held at NESCO, Mumbai, the qualifier brought together gamers from across the country competing for the opportunity to progress from open competition into ISGL’s franchise format. Winners from the Mumbai event will now move forward as representatives of Mumbai City FC, eventually competing at the ISGL Grand Finale in Vizag, where city franchises from across the country will battle for the championship.

The Mumbai qualifier featured competition across four gaming titles – Call of Duty Mobile, Chess, FC 26 and Cricket 26, reflecting ISGL’s multi-genre format designed to test players across tactical, strategic and sports gaming disciplines. Winners from each title secured their place in the Mumbai City FC lineup for the national stage.

The city qualifiers form the first stage of the ISGL season, with gamers registering from their home cities and competing locally before advancing to represent their respective franchises in the national competition. At the Grand Finale, nine city teams will compete in a league-plus-knockout format, with the championship determined by the highest cumulative performance across all four titles.

-Team Sportstar

PICKLEBALL

Indian Open 2026 to be first IPA-affiliated PWR 1000 pickleball event

The Indian Open will become the first Indian Pickleball Association-affiliated PWR 1000 event after a landmark alliance between Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and Global Sports.

The fourth edition of the tournament will be held from April 1 to 5 at Crosscourts Hyderabad, with more than 1,500 participants expected to compete for a prize pool of 50,000 dollars across 56 categories.

The event has grown steadily since its inception, with more than 4,000 players from 19 countries having taken part in previous editions.

-Team Sportstar

Published on Mar 16, 2026