Men’s 21km Race Walk Set to Steal the Show at Indian Open in Chandigarh

The 13th Indian Open Race Walk Competition, held at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Chandigarh, introduced two demanding new events: the 21km half marathon walk and the 42km full marathon walk. These additions brought heightened excitement and competitiveness to the annual championship.

Men’s 21km Race Walk Highlights

The men’s 21km race emerged as the highlight of the competition, featuring a strong lineup of athletes eager to qualify for upcoming international meets like the Asian Games and World Athletics Championships.

• Early leader Rohit Mehta showcased exceptional technique and endurance, leading for nearly 15 kilometers.
• Veteran Sanjay Kumar made a decisive move at the 18km mark to overtake Mehta.
• Sanjay Kumar won with a time of 1:43:27, narrowly defeating Mehta by 22 seconds.
• Arun Singh secured third place, earning valuable national ranking points.

42km Full Marathon Walk

The newly introduced 42km event also captivated audiences:

1. Rajesh Pillai dominated the race, finishing in an impressive 3:28:45.
2. This performance sets a strong benchmark for Indian race walking on the international stage.

Event Significance and Reception

The introduction of longer distances has been praised for enhancing athletes’ stamina and overall preparation for global competitions. This development is expected to elevate the Indian Open’s status and attract wider public interest in race walking.

Quotes and Atmosphere

Sanjay Kumar expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The new 21km event is a great challenge. It pushed me to improve my pacing and endurance. I’m happy with the result and aim to build on this for bigger races ahead.”

Enthusiastic fans created an electrifying atmosphere along the course, motivating competitors and adding to the event’s growing popularity.

Looking Ahead

With important qualifications for major championships approaching, performances at the Indian Open will play a crucial role in team selections. The successful debut of the 21km and 42km races signals a promising future for Indian race walking and adds excitement to the national athletics calendar.

For more updates, stay tuned to Space Sports.

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