Himachal Pradesh News : Chamba’s Seema wins gold, sets national record at Tata Steel World 25K in Kolkata

Seema, a long-distance runner from Chamba district, delivered another outstanding performance by clinching the gold medal and setting a new national record at the 10th Tata Steel World 25K Marathon in Kolkata on Sunday.

A native of Reta village in Chamba, Seema completed the gruelling 25,000-metre race in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 4 seconds, surpassing the previous national record and bringing laurels to Himachal Pradesh.

The 25K event is regarded as one of the most demanding endurance races in athletics, testing both physical stamina and mental resilience. Seema maintained a steady pace throughout the race and accelerated in the later stages, establishing a decisive lead before crossing the finish line comfortably.

With this victory, Seema has added another milestone to her illustrious career. She has previously won medals at junior, youth and senior national championships and has represented India at several international events, consistently performing at the highest level.

Seema attributed her success to rigorous training, guidance from her coaches and the unwavering support of her family. She also said that growing up in Himachal Pradesh, with its challenging terrain, played a crucial role in developing her endurance and mental toughness.

Officials and athletics experts described her performance as a benchmark for Indian long-distance runners, noting that her consistency and current form make her a strong contender in upcoming international competitions.

Seema’s journey to success, however, has been marked by hardship. She grew up in poverty and lost her father at the age of 12, leaving her family dependent on farming and cattle rearing for survival. Despite these challenges, her talent in athletics was recognised during school-level competitions, paving the way for her selection in district and state events.

A major turning point in her career came with her selection for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel, where she received professional training and exposure. Her rise to national prominence began with a gold medal at the 2015 Junior National Athletics Championship in Ranchi, followed by several record-breaking performances, including national records in the 2,000 m and 3,000 m races at the junior level.

Her international breakthrough was equally inspiring. Facing financial constraints, her mother broke a fixed deposit to fund Seema’s participation in the Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok, where she won a bronze medal. She later claimed silver at the 2018 Youth Asian Olympics Qualifying Games and, most recently, won gold in the 10,000-m race at the 17th Asian Cross-Country Championships in Hong Kong in 2024.

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