Indian Open Race Walking Competition 2025: Ram Baboo Claims 35km Title, Payal Wins 34km
Chandigarh, April 20, (Sports Desk)
The Indian Open Race Walking Competition 2025, held near Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, showcased stellar performances despite challenging hot and humid conditions. Asian Games bronze medallist Ram Baboo headlined the event by winning the men’s 35km race walk, while Payal triumphed in the women’s 34km event, which was shortened due to a technical issue. In the 20km races, five men breached the Asian Athletics Championships qualifying standard, and Ravina dominated the women’s event.
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Men’s 35km Race Walk
Ram Baboo, the national record holder (2:29:56), clinched the men’s 35km title with a time of 2:32:53.50, navigating the tough conditions with finesse. Sandeep Kumar secured silver with 2:35:05.75, followed by Vijay Omkar Vishwaka, who took bronze with 2:41:41.49. Baboo, who won a mixed team 35km bronze with Manju Rani at the 2023 Asian Games (5:51:14), solidified his reputation as India’s top race walker.
Women’s 34km Race Walk
The women’s 35km event was curtailed to 34km due to a technical glitch, delaying result announcements. Payal emerged victorious with a time of 2:51:48.76, outpacing Manju Rani (2:55:34.19) for gold. Ramandeer Kaur claimed bronze with 2:57:03.94, rounding out a competitive field.
Men’s 20km Race Walk
The men’s 20km event saw five athletes surpass the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) 1:24:00 qualifying mark for the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, Republic of Korea. Servin Sebastian led with 1:21:46.47, followed by Amit (1:21:51.46) and Amanjot Singh (1:22:12.72) for silver and bronze, respectively. Paramjeet Singh Bisht (1:23:10.45) and national record holder Akshdeep Singh (1:23:49.18) also qualified, though final team selection rests with the AFI.
Women’s 20km Race Walk
Ravina dominated the women’s 20km event, clocking 1:35:58.80 to win gold. Munita Prajapati took silver with 1:38:05.60, and Shalini earned bronze with 1:39:18.90. Olympian Priyanka Goswami, the national record holder (1:28:45), competed but did not finish (DNF) the race.
Medal Winners
- Men’s 35km:
- Gold: Ram Baboo (2:32:53.50)
- Silver: Sandeep Kumar (2:35:05.75)
- Bronze: Vijay Omkar Vishwaka (2:41:41.49)
- Women’s 34km:
- Gold: Payal (2:51:48.76)
- Silver: Manju Rani (2:55:34.19)
- Bronze: Ramandeer Kaur (2:57:03.94)
- Men’s 20km:
- Gold: Servin Sebastian (1:21:46.47)
- Silver: Amit (1:21:51.46)
- Bronze: Amanjot Singh (1:22:12.72)
- Women’s 20km:
- Gold: Ravina (1:35:58.80)
- Silver: Munita Prajapati (1:38:05.60)
- Bronze: Shalini (1:39:18.90)
Key Highlights
- Ram Baboo’s Dominance: Baboo’s victory under grueling conditions reinforced his status as a leading contender, building on his Asian Games success.
- Women’s Event Adjustment: The technical glitch reducing the women’s 35km to 34km sparked discussions, but Payal’s win highlighted her resilience.
- Asian Championships Qualifiers: The men’s 20km event’s depth, with five athletes meeting the AFI standard, signals India’s growing strength in race walking.
- Priyanka Goswami’s DNF: The Olympian’s failure to finish raised concerns, with speculation on X suggesting fatigue or minor injury, though no official statement was released.
Context and Outlook
The Indian Open Race Walking Competition served as a critical platform for athletes aiming to qualify for the Asian Athletics Championships. The event underscored India’s rising prowess in race walking, with athletes like Baboo, Payal, and Sebastian delivering standout performances. As the AFI finalizes its team selections, the focus will shift to Gumi, where India hopes to add to its regional medal tally.
