Kolkata, Dec 13: A three- prong race to the finish line is in store with Sawan Barwal, Gulveer Singh and Abhishek Pal all promising a hard fought battle to breast the tape at the finish line at TSW 25K Kolkata on Sunday, Dec 15.
The US $142,214 prize money race. With equal prize money for the Indian Elite men and women winners, the first three in each race stand to win INR 3,00,000, 2,50,000, and INR 2,00,000/- respectively. The Indian Elite men and women runners will also be further incentivised by an Event Record Bonus of INR 1,00,000/- each.
Avinash Sable holds the current event record in the Indian Elite Men’s category, with a time of 1:15:17, and L. Suriya holds the Indian Elite Women’s record, with a time of 1:26:53.
"I had changes in my workout and I also focused on it. I did not have much practice, but my fitness was well and good. I have my focus on TSW 25K and I will try my very best. Track events and road events occur towards the year end which gives time for preparation since it comes with gaps, like there was a gap of one month during the Delhi marathon.
During this gap, we get time to check and change our workout routines if required and we get to focus on our physical endurance. For short events we need to work on our speed but for track events we get to change our workout routines and eventually we get settled in. I will do my best to break the course record this time," said Sawan Barwal, defending champion TSW 25K.
Gulveer Singh, a double national record creator, said, “I have prepared for this race. This race will give me a chance to assess my strengths at this distance and also help me prepare for next year.I have worked very hard for the last two years and I want to do well in this event. I will surely challenge for a podium finish in this race.”
"Whatever prize money I get from doing the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, it is of great help to ensure right nutrition, apparel and shoes for running. That is an additional boost behind working so hard to win this race. I will try to defend this title," said Sanjeevani Jadhav, TCS World 10K, Bengaluru, 2024 winner.
"You should have a fresh mind and be prepared and run accordingly to your training, whether you have trained for a month or 15 days. The working people have their duties so they train themselves according to the flexibility of their time.
Gulveer did very well in the last two years. We have trained together since 2022 and he consistently did well. In the middle, I got injured hence my performance graph went down. The ones who are consistent are the ones who make it in the long run," said Abhishek Pal, TSK 25K 2022 winner.
Local girl Lili Das hopes to spring a surprise at TSW 25K
She has left a gold streak behind her. Only in her second road race, the local girl from Triveni Shibpur plans to spring a surprise on December 15 when TSW 25K gets underway.
Meet Lili Das, all of 5ft and the second youngest among four sisters, who has taken Gold in Federation Cup, Open Nationals, Inter State and Vedanta and now plans to etch her name in the 25k here.
"I am very focussed. I have trained for this event. This event will boost me for the Asian and World Athletic Championship next year," said the Junior Asian Championship winner in 800 and 1500 mts.
"I am very proud to run for the first time in Kolkata. I hope the people will cheer for me along the road. I promise to give my best," said Lili who began training under Rathin Das from Class two. Now 26 Dr Kalyan Chowdhury trains her.
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