Who Claimed the Full Marathon Titles at the Indian Open Race Walk?
Synopsis
Exciting victories unfolded at the Indian Open Race Walk Competition as Ram Baboo from Uttar Pradesh and Manju from Punjab secured gold in the men's and women’s 42km full marathon walk. Their impressive performances at Sukhna Lake set the stage for their ambitions at the upcoming Asian Games.
Key Takeaways
Ram Baboo won the men's 42km marathon walk.
Manju took gold in the women's 42km marathon walk.
Both athletes are preparing for the Asian Games.
The event showcased the talent of Indian race walkers.
Strong performances set the stage for future competitions.
Chandigarh, Feb 21 (NationPress) - In a remarkable display of athleticism, Uttar Pradesh's international race walker Ram Baboo and Punjab’s Manju each clinched gold medals in the men's and women’s 42km full marathon walk during the 13th Indian Open Race Walk Competition held at Sukhna Lake on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Ram Baboo completed the course in a time of 3:09:17.00, earning him the gold in this demanding event, which was introduced this season by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). This was his debut race of the season, following a bronze medal win at the Asian Games in the 35km mixed walk team event, and he managed to narrowly outpace his more highly regarded rival, Sandeep Kumar of Haryana.
Olympian and Commonwealth Games medalist Sandeep Kumar secured the silver medal with a finish time of 3:11:18.00.
Ram Baboo expressed his enthusiasm for a strong start to his 2026 season, indicating he was both mentally and physically prepared to dominate in Chandigarh. “Preparation was good and I’m happy with my performance,” he stated.
His primary goal this season is to achieve a podium finish at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. “In my next race, I will strive to enhance my performance,” he said regarding his future ambitions.
In the women’s category, Manju was elated to take first place amidst a competitive lineup that included seasoned race walker and Olympian Priyanka Goswami from Uttar Pradesh.
Manju stayed with the top three contenders, including Priyanka, until the 32km point. Afterwards, she took a decisive lead and gradually distanced herself from Priyanka, who finished in second place. “There was no one to challenge me; otherwise, I could have improved my time,” Manju remarked in a post-race interview.
Manju’s winning time of 3:33:24.00 was nearly four minutes ahead of Priyanka, who clocked in at 3:37:25.00.
Like Ram Baboo, Manju aims to remain healthy and win a medal at the Asian Games in September. “The Asian Games is my main objective this year,” she noted.
Both Manju and Ram Baboo previously secured bronze in the 35km mixed race walk team event at the 2022 Asian Games in China.
Additionally, Nitin Gupta, a talented race walker from the Army, claimed gold in the men’s 10km race walk, representing Uttar Pradesh with a time of 41:44.00.
Reshma Patel from Uttar Pradesh triumphed in the women’s 10km race walk, finishing with a time of 46:19.00.
Results:
Men: Full marathon walk (42km): Ram Baboo (Uttar Pradesh) 3:09:17.00, Sandeep Kumar (Haryana) 3:11:18.00, Resham Midhun (Telangana) 3:12:11.00.
10km race walk: Nitin Gupta (Uttar Pradesh) 41:44.00, Rishikesh P (Tamil Nadu) 43:11.00, Bilin George Anto (Kerala).
Women: Full marathon walk (42km): Manju (Punjab) 3:33:24.00, Priyanka Goswami (Uttar Pradesh) 3:37:25.00, Payal (Uttarakhand) 3:39:57.00.
10km race walk: Reshma Patel (Uttar Pradesh) 46:19.00, Mary Margaret K (Delhi) 47:18.00, Akshaya K (Kerala) 51:49.00.
Point of View
I believe that the achievements of Ram Baboo and Manju not only showcase individual talent but also highlight the growing prominence of race walking in India. Their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship is commendable, and we can expect great things from them as they prepare for the Asian Games. NationPress is proud to cover such inspiring stories that reflect our nation's dedication to sports.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the men's marathon at the Indian Open Race Walk?
Ram Baboo from Uttar Pradesh won the men's marathon with a time of 3:09:17.00.
What was Manju's winning time in the women's marathon?
Manju won the women's marathon with a time of 3:33:24.00.
Where was the Indian Open Race Walk Competition held?
The competition took place at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh.
What is Ram Baboo's goal for the season?
Ram Baboo aims to achieve a podium finish at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.
Did Ram Baboo and Manju participate in the previous Asian Games?
Yes, both secured bronze in the 35km mixed race walk team event at the 2022 Asian Games in China.
