How Did Punjab’s Sahil Outsmart Top Race Walkers to Win Gold in Men’s 21km? Haryana's Ravina Triumphs in Women's Event
Synopsis
In an astonishing turn of events at the Indian Open Race Walk Competition, Punjab's Sahil outshone his more experienced competitors in the men's 21km category. Meanwhile, Haryana's Ravina claimed the women's title, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian race walking. This competition highlights the rising stars of the sport.
Key Takeaways
Sahil from Punjab won the men's 21km race.
Ravina from Haryana claimed the women's 21km title.
Tushar Panwar improved his national record in the U20 category.
Both categories showcased competitive finishes.
The event highlights the growing significance of race walking in India.
Chandigarh, Feb 22 (NationPress) Sahil from Punjab seized the chance to outpace his more renowned competitors, securing the top spot in the men's half marathon walk (21km) on the concluding day of the 13th edition of the Indian Open Race Walk Competition held here on Sunday.
In an exhilarating finish, the 24-year-old Sahil demonstrated remarkable endurance to fend off seasoned race walker Servin Sebastian from Tamil Nadu, clinching the gold medal with a remarkable time of 1:25:48.00.
Servin Sebastian claimed the silver with a time of 1:25:50.00, while the bronze medal went to Hardeep from Haryana, who finished with a time of 1:26:03.00.
Paramjeet Singh Bisht, a participant in the upcoming Paris Olympics representing Uttarakhand, finished in fourth place with a time of 1:26:07.00. Another notable athlete, Akshdeep Singh from Punjab, a former national record holder over 20km, finished seventh with a time of 1:27:37.00.
Vikash Singh from Delhi secured the 10th position, clocking 1:30:41.00, while Suraj Panwar from Uttarakhand did not complete the race.
In the women’s 21km event, the gold medal was won by Ravina from Haryana. At 29 years old, she edged out her younger competitors—Munita Prajapati (24 years old) from Uttar Pradesh and Manis Negi (23 years old) from Uttarakhand—by finishing with a time of 1:39:15.00.
Munita Prajapati took home the silver with a time of 1:39:26.00, while Mansi Negi secured the bronze with a finish time of 1:42:58.00.
Additionally, promising young athlete Aarti from Haryana, who is a World U20 medallist, finished fourth in the senior level with a time of 1:43:15.00.
The competition was equally thrilling in the U20 category for both men and women. Tushar Panwar from Uttarakhand, who won gold in the men’s U20 5km, clocked 19:59.00, surpassing his own U20 national record of 20:07.00 set last year.
Manisha from Rajasthan won the women’s U20 5km gold medal with a time of 23:24.00.
Results:
Men: 21km half marathon: Sahil (Punjab) 1:25:48.00, Servin Sebastian (Tamil Nadu) 1:25:50.00, Hardeep (Haryana) 1:26:03.00.
Women: 21km half marathon: Ravina (Haryana) 1:39:15.00, Munita Prajapati (Uttar Pradesh) 1:39:26.00, Mansi Negi (Uttarakhand) 1:42:58.00
Men U20: 5km: Tushar Panwar (Uttarakhand) 19:59.00 (improved his own U20 national record of 20:07.00 set last year), Himanshu Panwar (Uttarakhand) 20:08.00, Praveen (Rajasthan) 20:12.00.
Women U20: 5km: Manisha (Rajasthan) 23:24.00, Yogita (Haryana) 23:49.00, Simran Gusain (Uttarakhand) 23:58.00.
Point of View
It highlights not just individual achievements but the growing prominence of race walking in India. These performances serve as a reminder of the dedication and hard work that these athletes put into their sport.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the men's 21km race?
Sahil from Punjab won the men's 21km race with a time of 1:25:48.00.
What was Ravina's time in the women's 21km race?
Ravina finished the women's 21km race with a time of 1:39:15.00.
Which athlete improved their U20 national record?
Tushar Panwar from Uttarakhand improved his U20 national record with a time of 19:59.00.
Where was the competition held?
The competition took place in Chandigarh.
What is the significance of this competition?
The Indian Open Race Walk Competition highlights emerging talent in the sport and provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills.
