Endurance and Resilience: India’s Race Walkers Take on Tokyo’s World Athletics Challenge

Summary – At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Indian race walkers showcased grit despite harsh conditions, with standout performances from Sandeep Kumar and Priyanka Goswami.,

Article –

At the 2025 World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo, Indian race walkers demonstrated exceptional endurance and resilience under tough environmental conditions in the fiercely competitive men’s and women’s 35-kilometer racewalk events.

Setting the Stage

Tokyo’s humid climate tested the world’s elite race walkers, including India’s top athletes. Notable Indian competitors were national record holders Ram Baboo in the men’s category and Priyanka Goswami in the women’s event. The 35km racewalk demands:

• Impeccable technique to avoid infractions
• Immense cardiovascular stamina to maintain high speeds

India’s history in racewalking has shown steady progress with recent breakthroughs on the global stage. Ram Baboo was a strong medal contender, while experienced Sandeep Kumar, at 39 years old, was a solid team anchor. Priyanka Goswami aimed to reinforce her global standing, building on her national record.

The Turning Point

Harsh heat and humidity challenged all athletes. Ram Baboo, despite a strong start, was disqualified due to multiple infractions related to “loss of contact” and bent knees — key violations monitored by judges. An athlete is disqualified after accumulating three red cards for rule breaches.

Sandeep Kumar, employing a steadier and controlled approach, avoided penalties and finished in the top 25, showcasing remarkable endurance and technique for his age. Priyanka Goswami maintained consistency, overcoming the conditions to place 23rd, cementing her reputation as India’s leading female racewalker.

Tactical and Technical Breakdown

Key aspects of racewalking include:

1. Strict biomechanical form to avoid penalties
2. Balancing speed with technical precision, especially under fatigue

The humid environment increased the difficulty of maintaining form. Sandeep Kumar’s strategy featured conservative pacing early on, conserving energy and technical compliance, followed by acceleration later—a testament to tactical discipline critical in racewalking.

Meanwhile, national records held by Baboo and Goswami signify advancements in India’s training focus on endurance and biomechanical efficiency, positioning Indian athletics as increasingly competitive internationally.

Reactions from the Sport

Indian athletics officials had mixed feelings:

• Disappointment over Ram Baboo’s disqualification but respect for his career and record-breaking milestones
• Praise for Sandeep Kumar’s longevity and elite-level experience
• Recognition of Priyanka Goswami’s strong finish and growing influence in women’s endurance athletics

Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in judging technologies like Electronic Insole Sensors to promote fair play and athlete welfare.

What Comes Next?

The Tokyo championships serve as a crucial point for Indian racewalking, highlighting the need to bolster:

• Training infrastructure
• Athlete support systems
• International exposure

With focus areas including:

• Refining technique to prevent disqualifications (Ram Baboo)
• Leveraging experience for mentoring younger athletes (Sandeep Kumar)
• Building global profile and sponsorship opportunities for Priyanka Goswami

As the 2028 Olympic cycle approaches, Indian racewalking aims to blend tactical acumen, technical precision, and physical conditioning to transform promising performances into podium finishes. The lessons learned in Tokyo could spark a renaissance in this discipline.

Stay tuned to SPACE SPORTS for ongoing sports insights worldwide.

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