A divyang participant courageously joined over 23,000 runners in the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on 21 December 2025 at Milan Mela Ground, Kolkata, West Bengal, embodying the event’s inclusive ethos alongside top athletes like Uganda’s Stephen Kissa, who clinched the elite men’s 25K in a blistering.
Organised by Procam International with Tata Steel’s sponsorship, the annual spectacle featured 25K, 10K, and 5K races, drawing global stars such as Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo and India’s record-setter Gulveer Singh, with women’s defending champion Sanjivani Jadhav competing fiercely; no incidents marred the day, as organisers lauded the divyang runner’s determination supported by guides as a beacon of accessibility, while participants and officials celebrated Kolkata’s vibrant fitness culture post-pandemic.
Elite Records and Inclusive Strides
The divyang runner, whose details remain private to respect privacy, navigated the demanding 25 km route from Howrah Bridge through Kolkata’s bustling streets to the historic Maidan with unwavering resolve, aided by dedicated volunteer guides who ensured safety amid the humid December air and cheering crowds.
Vital statistics paint a picture of unprecedented scale: over 23,000 entrants shattered previous records, with the elite 25K men’s podium featuring Kissa’s victory ahead of Ebenyo and India’s Asian Games medallist Singh, while the women’s race saw intense battles including Jadhav’s defence against strong contenders.
Category winners added colour, such as Bandana Subba’s impressive 1:40:56 in the 18-24 female group, highlighting diverse age and ability representation across 5K fun runs ideal for families and novices.
Procam officials, in pre-event statements, emphasised: “This edition honours every participant’s journey, from elite pacesetters to those breaking personal barriers,” a sentiment echoed by Kolkata Runners, who coordinate logistics and praised the divyang’s participation as “a testament to human spirit, proving fitness knows no limits.”
This fusion of high-stakes competition and heartfelt stories humanises the event, transforming it from a race into a communal festival of perseverance and support, where spectators lined the streets waving flags and offering water, fostering a sense of shared triumph.
Decade-Long Legacy of Unity and Expansion
Since its humble launch in 2016 by the Kolkata Runners society, the Tata Steel World 25K has blossomed into eastern India’s flagship citizen-led endurance event, evolving through challenges like the COVID-19 disruptions that temporarily halted mass gatherings but sparked a resurgence with enhanced health protocols.
Preceding editions built momentum: the 9th saw 15,000+ participants, while this milestone 10th edition amplified Tata Steel’s wellness initiatives, integrating CSR elements like free health screenings and sustainability drives with plastic-free zones.
Contextual layers enrich the narrative Kolkata’s running boom mirrors national trends, influenced by marathons in Mumbai and Delhi that pioneered divyang categories with features like tactile paths and audio cues; here, similar accommodations enabled the featured runner’s success, aligning with India’s push for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act implementation in sports.
Post-race buzz on social media captured elation, with runners sharing finisher medals and stories of overcoming Kolkata’s traffic-clogged training routes, while previews had hyped Singh’s national record potential and international fields from Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
No controversies arose, only accolades for seamless execution amid monsoon-season preparations, underscoring how such events bridge urban divides, promote mental health, and combat sedentary lifestyles prevalent in India’s metros.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The divyang runner’s bold stride at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata exemplifies the empathy, harmony, and kindness The Logical Indian steadfastly champions, illustrating how inclusive platforms dissolve barriers and ignite collective progress towards a more equitable society.
By weaving elite athleticism with everyday heroism, this event nurtures dialogue across abilities, fosters coexistence, and drives positive change reminding us that true strength lies in uplifting one another amid diversity.
