Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata: Cheptegei Dominates, Indians Gulveer Singh and Seema Shatter Records

On a crisp winter Sunday in Kolkata, the Tata Steel World 25K unfolded as a thrilling showcase of endurance, with records falling and India's distance runners making a bold statement.

Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, the double Olympic champion, commanded the international elite men's race from the start, securing his first title in 1:11:49. He edged out Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Siumbu (1:11:56) and Lesotho's Tebello Ramakongoana (1:11:59) in a nail-biting finish, staying close through 20 km before surging ahead in the final stretch. Though he missed the 1:11:13 course record from 2023, his control was undeniable.

Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Cheptegei Dominates Indians Gulveer Singh and Seema Shatter Records

Joshua Cheptegei said, “Winning mattered more than the record for me. Coming back to Kolkata and winning is special for me. I have won in Bangalore, and this was a big race with world-class athletes. This victory gives me confidence and positivity as I prepare for my next marathon.”

Ethiopia's Degitu Azimeraw stole the show in the international elite women's race, leading wire-to-wire for a 1:19:36 victory—her third appearance on the course yielding top honors. Defending champion Sutume Asefa Kebede took silver in 1:20:28, with Meselech Alemayehu claiming bronze at 1:20:48 for an Ethiopian podium sweep. Azimeraw built her lead progressively, turning seconds into a 500-meter gap by the finish.

After the race, Degitu said, “It wasn't the plan before for me. It was a little crazy. My legs were a little stiff, so I just focused on going strong. But after 10km, my legs got better, and then I continued to build my race and speed, and with that, I won. I am very happy."

India's Record-Breaking Performances

India's elite races delivered the day's biggest stories. Gulveer Singh produced a masterful performance, slashing over two minutes off his own Indian course record with a 1:12:06 triumph. The Asian long-distance double gold medallist pulled ahead early—even trading pace with internationals—leaving Harmanjot Singh (1:15:11) and Sawan Barwal (1:15:25) well behind.

Talking about the win, the Asian long-distance double gold medallist Gulveer Singh said, “Records aren't created just like that. They come from consistency. With strong support, dedicated coaches, and relentless training, the only goal is to be better than yesterday. I don't believe in fixing ceilings for myself. Diet, workout, and rest is all I do. Nothing else matters. Progress takes time. There are no shortcuts. India is rising, step by step, race by race. The journey is long, and I'm just getting started.”

Seema matched the excitement in the Indian elite women's category, clocking 1:26:04 to erase an eight-year-old course record (previously 1:26:53 by Suriya L in 2017). The Asian Cross-country Champion and World University Games silver medallist controlled the race with poise, extending her lead to over four minutes on Sanjivani Jadhav (1:30:34), with Nirmaben Thakor third in 1:32:02.

Talking about the race, Seema said, “The course route has been changed, and it has now become a more challenging course. But I had come here with the mindset of winning. I am very happy to have been able to set the course record here, but had the course been like it was previously, I think I could have done better. To win needs a lot of discipline and sacrifice, and as an athlete, I have been doing it. Now my target is to qualify for the Asian and Commonwealth Games next year.”

Full Provisional Results

Overall International Men
Pos	Athlete (Country)	Time
1	Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda)	1:11:49
2	Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania)	1:11:56
3	Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho)	1:11:59
4	Collins Kipkorir (Kenya)	1:12:02
5	Gulveer Singh (India)	1:12:06
6	Fikadu Liche (Ethiopia)	1:12:09
7	Wisley Yego (Kenya)	1:12:12
8	Haymanot Alew (Ethiopia)	1:14:35
9	Niguse Abera (Ethiopia)	1:14:38
10	Harmanjot Singh (India)	1:15:11

Overall International Women
Pos	Athlete (Country)	Time
1	Degitu Azimeraw (Ethiopia)	1:19:36
2	Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia)	1:20:28
3	Meselech Alemayehu (Ethiopia)	1:20:48
4	Kuftu Tahir (Ethiopia)	1:23:32
5	Demilew Zemenaw (Ethiopia)	1:23:34
6	Netsanet Tafere (Ethiopia)	1:23:56
7	Rediet Daniel (Ethiopia)	1:24:18
8	Aberash Minsewo (Ethiopia)	1:24:48
9	Ergat Heshe (Ethiopia)	1:24:59
10	Seema (India)	1:26:04

Indian Men (New Event Record)
Pos	Athlete	Time
1	Gulveer Singh	1:12:06 (New Event Record)
2	Harmanjot Singh	1:15:11
3	Sawan Barwal	1:15:25
4	Kartik Karkera	1:16:48
5	Abhishek Pal	1:17:55

Indian Women (New Event Record)
Pos	Athlete	Time
1	Seema	1:26:04 (New Event Record)
2	Sanjivani Jadhav	1:30:34
3	Nirmaben Thakor	1:32:02

Team Results

Vijay Diwas Trophy
Pos	Team	Members	Time
1	Indian Navy 1	Vinod Singh, Prakash Deshmukh, Nitesh Kumar Rathva	4:00:40
2	Indian Army 1	Saroj Kunwar, Shivam Singh, Sandeep Singh	4:01:15
3	Indian Army 5	Jeevan Singh, Anand Singh Rawat, Bheem Singh	4:03:03