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West Bengal Governor Flags Off World Athletics Gold Label Race in Kolkata

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose flagged off the World Athletics Gold Label TATA Steel 25K Marathon on Kolkata's Red Road. The event, in its 10th edition, saw Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei win the elite race and attracted over 20,000 participants.

Key Points: Kolkata Hosts World Athletics Gold Label Race, Flagged Off by Governor CV Ananda Bose

  • West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose flags off prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Race in Kolkata
  • Elite athlete Joshua Cheptegei wins the 25K marathon, citing India as his second home
  • Event marks the 10th edition of the TATA Steel 25K Marathon on Kolkata's iconic Red Road
  • Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia highlights the event's role in promoting health among youth
  • Over 20,000 participants, including national and international athletes, join the marathon
2 min read

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor kicked off World Athletics Gold Label Race

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose flagged off the TATA Steel 25K Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, on Kolkata's Red Road, featuring elite athletes like Joshua Cheptegei.

"India is like a second home to me, because my international journey truly began here. Coming back to race and see the sport grow in India is something I deeply celebrate. - Joshua Cheptegei / Uganda's double Olympic Champion"

Kolkata (West Bengal), December 21

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday flagged off the World Athletics Gold Label Race, a prestigious event for road racers with stringent regulations and prizes.

The West Bengal Governor fired off the starting pistol, following which the runners set off. The event took place at the iconic Red Road in Kolkata.

The participant took off early in the morning to win the prizes amid fog.

The event was called the 25K Marathon, and many international and National athletes participated. It was the 10th year of this popular sports event.

Amidst cheers from the crowd, Joshua Cheptegei finished the race in first place, followed closely by the first and second runners-up.

Earlier, during a meet-and-greet, Uganda's double Olympic Champion said he is happy to see the sport grow over the years since his journey began here.

"India is like a second home to me, because my international journey truly began here. Coming back to race and see the sport grow in India is something I deeply celebrate," he stated.

Former India footballer and captain Bhaichung Bhutia also highlighted the importance of the TATA Steel 25K Marathon on November 26. He mentioned that it will help the younger generation to focus and prioritise health and wellness.

"This year it's very special because it's the 10th edition of the TATA Steel 25K marathon in Kolkata... It will motivate and influence the younger generation to stay healthy... This year, over 20,000 people will participate in the marathon. This year too, big names will participate in the marathon," Bhaichung Bhutia stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative! Bhaichung Bhutia is right, events like these are crucial to motivate our youth towards fitness. Over 20,000 participants is a massive number. Hope the fog didn't cause too much trouble for the runners.
A
Aman W
While it's good to see such events, I hope the organizers also ensured proper facilities for all participants, not just the elite runners. Sometimes local runners get overlooked in these big-label races.
S
Sarah B
The World Athletics Gold Label is a big deal! Puts Kolkata on the global running map. Joshua Cheptegei's words are so heartwarming. Sports truly bring people together.
V
Vikram M
Kudos to the organizers and TATA Steel for the sustained effort over a decade. A 25K marathon is a serious distance. Running on Red Road in the winter morning fog must have been quite an experience for the athletes!
K
Kavya N
This is the kind of positive news we need more of. Celebrating sports, health, and international camaraderie. Bengal has a rich sporting culture, and this marathon adds to that legacy beautifully.

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