IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

Details of the race route, medical preparedness, and participant facilities were shared during a press conference held at the Media Centre on the iconic Red Road. Organisers highlighted their focus on seamless execution and an enhanced race-day experience for athletes and recreational runners alike.

The event carries a total prize purse of USD 142,214 and continues its commitment to equal prize money for men and women winners. Marking the 10th edition, an additional world record bonus of USD 25,000 has been announced for breaking the current 25K world record of 1:11:08. To encourage amateur participation, cash prizes of ₹35,000, ₹25,000 and ₹10,000 will be awarded to the top three amateur runners in both men’s and women’s categories across various age groups.

Race Day proceedings will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 HD and SD from 5:30 am onwards.

Speaking at the media interaction, Race Director Hugh Jones said, “This year’s course is different and more demanding, offering a mix of challenges for the participants. However, good weather conditions and an early start will provide runners with a tactical advantage.”

Sanjukta Dutta, Emergency Head at Fortis Hospitals and Medical Director for the race, praised the medical arrangements made by Procam in collaboration with Fortis Hospitals. She advised runners to take adequate rest before race day, have a light breakfast, warm up before running, cool down after finishing, and avoid pushing beyond their limits. “Run to enjoy and have a good time,” she added.

Participant Category-Wise Breakup (On-ground + Virtual)

25K: 6,927

Open 10K: 8,068

Ananda Run: 6,066

Senior Citizens Run: 1,815

Champions with Disability: 450

For the 2025 edition, all five race categories will start and finish at Red Road. With the Vidyasagar Setu closed on Sundays due to ongoing work, the course has been reimagined with support from city authorities. Runners will head further south, exploring new stretches of the city, passing landmarks such as Tipu Sultan Mosque and Rabindra Sarobar, and tackling a fresh challenge at the Lakes Flyover.

Led by the Impact360 Foundation, the event’s Philanthropy Partner, the platform has consistently amplified charitable efforts by providing a cause-neutral framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past decade, Impact360 has enabled more than 75 NGOs across Eastern and Northeastern India to raise over INR 4.70 crore, positively impacting millions of lives. Beyond medals and personal achievements, the event has created a “decade of difference,” fostering community upliftment, social awareness, and global recognition for Kolkata as a hub for distance running.

Debashish Ray Choudhari, CEO of Impact360 Foundation, remarked, “TSW25K celebrates ten years of participative sport and meaningful social engagement. The extraordinary support from corporates, NGOs, fundraisers, and individual donors has surpassed previous milestones, reflecting the collective passion driving this movement.”

Participants and panellists shared inspiring stories at the press meet. Ganga Basu, a beneficiary at Paripurnata, expressed her excitement about gaining independence and participating in such a large platform, while young leader Sarah Tabish highlighted the importance of addressing underreported issues like child sexual abuse and supporting long-term rehabilitation.

The event brings together diverse stakeholders driving social change:

NGOs such as Tata Medical Centre, Concern India Foundation, Paripurnata, and LittleBigHelp are supporting cancer care, education, skill development, and rehabilitation.

Corporate partners like Tata Steel Downstream Products, TITAN, and Blue Star Limited fund initiatives in health, education, and empowerment.

Individual fundraisers including Jhelum Sarkar, Adv. Sidhant Ghosh, and Mohammad Lutful Kabir contribute to causes ranging from cancer care to skill development and mental health support.

Vivek Singh, Joint MD of Procam International, said, “The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata demonstrates how endurance running and philanthropy intersect to create meaningful social change. The combined efforts of NGOs, corporates, fundraisers, and citizens continue to make a tangible difference in communities.”

Through its decade-long journey, TSW25K has become more than a race—it is a movement that inspires collective action, empowers communities, and champions a legacy of philanthropy.

‘মেসি ভগবান’কে ফ্রেম বন্দি করতে ভিন্ন রাজ্যের বাসিন্দারা, ২ নং গেটে একী কান্ড?

The ticket redemption process began at the end of last week. On the final day, fans coming to redeem their tickets displayed remarkable enthusiasm. Around the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata, Messi fans from different states were spotted gathering.

On this day, Argentine jerseys with Messi’s picture and the text “Welcome Messi” were being sold. Additionally, jerseys featuring East Bengal along with Argentina were available for ₹300. One seller stated, “Jersey sales have been quite good over the past few days. With Messi coming, we hope sales will increase even more on the day of the event.”

A buyer mentioned, “Messi is our god. To see him in person and wear his jersey—both are a huge privilege for me. We can’t miss this.”

Among the fans redeeming tickets, there were couples who were not residents of Kolkata. A pair from Odisha said, “We are Messi fans. We came here just to see our god in person.”

Fans like Sadanon from Manipur and Mounten and Mira from Assam also caught attention. A group of 30 friends came from Shillong. One of them, Danny, said, “Messi is the best among all footballers. If he had stayed a little longer in the stadium, our joy would have been even greater.”

In front of Gate No. 2 at Yuva Bharati, Andruman from Kerala was selling Messi stickers. He said, “I have been collecting these stickers for several years. I even designed some of them myself. Since Messi’s Kerala tour was canceled, I came to Kolkata. Messi has been my favorite footballer since childhood.”

Even before Messi’s arrival, Kolkata was already buzzing with Messi fever. Football fans were seen at every corner, eagerly waiting to see their beloved star, holding jerseys and stickers in hand.

Meet & Greet and Virtual Statue Unveiling

The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with a Meet & Greet event. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., the virtual unveiling of LM10’s statue will take place. Following that, he will head to the Youth Stadium, where stars will be arriving one after another:

11:30 a.m.: Shah Rukh Khan

12:00 p.m.: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Legendary cricketer Sourav Ganguly will also be present

A special session of football, celebrity interaction, and felicitation will run from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. After that, Messi will head to the airport and fly to Hyderabad at 2:00 p.m. In all, it will be just 12.5 hours – but an emotionally charged visit.

Unprecedented Security Arrangements

With the presence of the Chief Minister, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sourav Ganguly, security measures are being taken to the highest level. Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed under the leadership of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Inspectors, SIs, and constables from various parts of the city will be on duty, alongside the RAF. Strict traffic control and special parking guidelines have been prepared.

The city has seen legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi before, yet the excitement of his return is unique. The young talent of 2011 has now become a legend. Once again, Kolkata will witness history, and the city will rediscover itself amid the frenzy of Messi mania.

Messi’s Main Event in Kolkata — 13 December

9:30 AM — Special programme at his hotel with sponsors

Around 10 AM — Departs for the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan)

At the stadium, he will attend the Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All-Stars vs Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All-Stars match, which he will watch from the ground

After the match, he will interact with the players of both teams

Later, from the hotel, he will virtually inaugurate a 70-foot statue of Messi

By afternoon, he will fly to Hyderabad

On 14 December, he will take part in various events in Mumbai, and on 15 December, in Delhi. During the tour, he is also expected to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Didn’t get tickets? Don’t worry! Where to watch Messi?

Even though many people could not get tickets to the stadium, the good news is that Messi’s entire tour can be enjoyed right from home.

Messi’s Kolkata tour will be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website.
(A Sony LIV subscription is required.)

Selected events of the GOAT India Tour 2025 will also be broadcast on—

Prasar Bharati YouTube channel

DD Sports TV channel

Preparations are at full swing everywhere from Kolkata airport to the Salt Lake Stadium. The city’s streets are filled with Messi posters, fans singing, flags and blue-and-white lights reflecting Argentina’s colours. Many say that seeing Messi once in their lifetime is their greatest dream come true. Kolkata, the football-loving city, feels like it has once again transformed into the football capital of the world. Just a few more hours — and India will see its dream man. All of Bengal waits eagerly for the Messi Magic.

Headlining the men’s field is Uganda’s Double Olympic and Triple World Champion Joshua Cheptegei, who will make his much-awaited debut over the 25K distance. The 29-year-old, who holds multiple world records on the track and roads, expressed enthusiasm for racing in India again, saying, “India is one of my favourite destinations. I want to give my best in my maiden venture in Kolkata.”

In a major boost to competition, organisers have announced a USD 25,000 bonus for any athlete breaking the existing world record of 1:11:08. The total prize purse stands at USD 142,214, with equal prize money for men and women. The top three finishers in both categories will receive USD 15,000, USD 10,000, and USD 7,000 respectively, along with a USD 5,000 event record bonus.

Joining Cheptegei in the men’s lineup is Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, fresh from his dramatic World Championships Marathon victory in Tokyo, where he edged Germany’s Amanal Petros by just three-hundredths of a second. Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew, who recorded a blistering 2:03:31 for third place at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, runner-up at this year’s Xiamen Marathon, further strengthen the competitive field. The roster also includes a strong Kenyan and Ethiopian contingent featuring Collins Kipkorir, Debebe Teka, Tamru Shifera, and emerging talents such as Ayana Geneti and Niguse Abera.

In the women’s category, defending champion and former world record holder Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia returns to Kolkata aiming for a hat-trick. Kebede, who set the 25K world record in Berlin in 2015 and shattered it again in Kolkata in 2023, seeks redemption after a disappointing 27th-place finish at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo. “I am thrilled to make my third appearance in Kolkata. With an exciting field to challenge me, I expect to improve my timings this year,” she said.

Kebede will face stiff competition from compatriot and former Kolkata winner Degitu Azimeraw, Uganda’s Olympic finalist Sarah Chelangat, and Kenya’s Agnes Keino. Rising Ethiopian talents, including Demilew Zemenaw and Ergat Heshe, add depth to the field.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, stated, “With world-class athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei and Alphonce Felix Simbu headlining the elite field, Kolkata is poised for an exciting and fast race later this month.”

With top-tier competition, record-breaking incentives, and overwhelming participation, the 10th edition promises to be a milestone in the event’s illustrious journey.

Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Semi-Final Preview

This year’s pacer group is as diverse and inspiring as the participants themselves. From Armed Forces personnel who have served the nation across borders, to women who have overcome personal battles to embrace running, to professionals balancing demanding careers with a passion for fitness, the 10th edition showcases individuals who embody the #DecadeOfDifference spirit that Tata Steel World 25K stands for. Their journeys mirror the evolution of Kolkata’s running culture, making them ideal pace leaders for this milestone year.

Among the inspiring 10K pacers is Roshni Guhathakurta, born with bilateral clubfoot, who relied on major corrective surgeries just to walk. Today, she is a CESC Deputy Manager, a mother of an 8-year-old, and an accomplished marathon and ultra-runner, having transformed her life from a sedentary routine to one defined by fitness and resilience. She will lead the 85-minute bus pace.

Entrepreneur and Chandagini founder Chanda Ahuja, a mother of two, will lead the 75-minute bus pace, while ophthalmologist and dedicated runner Dr. Saswati Biswas will head the 60-minute group.

Joining the lineup is Kolkata’s Manpreet Singh, the fastest pacer in the 25K category, who will lead the 2:00-hour bus. From New Delhi, Kartikay Pandey, who transformed himself from 95 kg to 77 kg during the pandemic and is now a podium finisher, will inspire runners as he leads the 2:05-hour bus. Adding to this remarkable roster is Kolkata’s Bapai Bhattacharyya, a Kargil War veteran and Comrades Marathon Bronze Medalist, whose extraordinary grit strengthens the pacing team; he will pace the 2:40-hour bus.

“Pacing is a selfless act, and as we celebrate the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, our pacers truly reflect the heart and soul of this event. From the discipline of the Defence Forces leading the 25K to the inspiring all-women team pacing the 10K, this year’s lineup embodies courage, diversity, and community spirit,” said Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International.

Women 10K Pacers (10 km)

Alina Goperma Sherpa – 58 min

Dr. Saswati Biswas – 60 min

Uma Devi Sharma (Kalyani, West Bengal) – 65 min

Jyoti Saboo – 70 min

Shobha Agarwal – 75 min

Chanda Ahuja – 75 min

Namrata Agarwal – 80 min

Roshni Guhathakurta – 85 min

Priyanti Dutta – 88 min
(All pacers from Kolkata)

Defence Forces Pacers (25 km)

Manpreet Singh (Kolkata) – 2:00 hrs

Kartikay Pandey (New Delhi) – 2:05 hrs

Ram Mohan (Punjab) – 2:10 hrs

Ashish Dhingra (New Delhi) – 2:15 hrs

Gurmeet Raturi (New Delhi) – 2:20 hrs

Chanambam Ruhikanta Singh (Kanpur) – 2:25 hrs

Lalit Kumar Tiwari (New Delhi) – 2:30 hrs

Paramjeet Yadav (Rewari) – 2:35 hrs

Bapai Bhattacharyya (Kolkata) – 2:40 hrs

Gaurav Srivastav (Lucknow) – 2:45 hrs

Dr. Ratandeep Singh (New Delhi) – 2:45 hrs

Sanjeev Kumar (Kolkata) – 2:50 hrs

Vidyasagar Mehta (New Delhi) – 2:55 hrs

The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 1 HD on December 21 from 5:30 am onwards.

At just 27, Kenny Bednarek, affectionately known as Kung Fu Kenny, has become one of track and field’s most admired figures. A double silver medallist in the 200m at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as a Gold and Silver Medallist at the recently concluded 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most consistent sprinters. In a discipline that celebrates speed and spectacle, Bednarek’s journey is a reminder that persistence, not perfection, defines true greatness. His steady presence among the world’s best reflects the thread that connects talent with tenacity.

Born in Wisconsin, Bednarek’s early years were far from easy. Abandoned at birth and adopted after a challenging childhood, he overcame adversity through sheer grit and purpose. His journey from community college tracks to global arenas stands as an inspiring reminder that success is not determined by where one starts, but by the determination to keep going.

“Life has taught me that the journey matters more than the destination. Every race, every step, builds you,” said Kenny Bednarek, ahead of his visit to Kolkata. “I’m excited to be part of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata’s 10th year. The city’s passion for sport and the race’s focus on community and health truly resonate with my own story. I look forward to encouraging Kolkata’s spirited participants and celebrating their drive.”

Representing the United States at the highest level, Bednarek has achieved significant international success, with personal bests that rank among the finest in sprinting history: 9.79 seconds in the 100m (2025), 19.57 seconds in the 200m (2024), and 44.73 seconds in the 400m (2019).

Speaking about the association, D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel said: “As we celebrate the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, it is a matter of great pride to welcome Kenny Bednarek as our ambassador. His journey personifies resilience, purpose, and the belief that consistent effort can shape one’s destiny – values that reflect the ethos of both Tata Steel and this event. The World Athletics Gold Label designation has reaffirmed Kolkata’s place on the global running map, and with Kenny joining us this year, we hope to inspire more people to embrace fitness, community, and the joy of running.”

Adding his thoughts, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, “Its been #ADecadeofdiffrence and We are delighted to have Kenny Bednarek as our International Event Ambassador for this landmark 10th edition. His life and career embody the message that consistent effort, resilience, and grace in pursuit of excellence define a true champion. Kenny’s presence will deeply inspire our running community. We look forward to welcoming him in Kolkata and making his visit memorable, as we together celebrate the events’ landmark 10th anniversary”

কয়েক হাজার সাইক্লিস্টের প্যাডেলে কেঁপে উঠল ভোরের কলকাতা

Part of the nationwide “Sundays on Cycle” initiative launched by Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the one-day event drew over 4,000 participants from Kolkata and neighboring regions.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Ms. Amar Jyoti, Executive Director, SAI RC Kolkata; Shri Krishna Prakash, IPS, Honorary Race Director; Shri Mukesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar; Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Chairman, Coal India Limited; Shri P. M. Prasad, former Chairman, Coal India Limited; Padma Bhushan awardees Leander Paes (legendary tennis player) and Usha Uthup (iconic singer); Bollywood playback singer Shadab Faridi; and Mr. Ashok Kumar, Postmaster General, Kolkata.

The Ride and Its Route

The Cyclothon followed a 35 km loop starting from the SAI Main Gate through Karunamoyee, Sector V, CNCI Hospital, ITC Hatisala, and back to SAI. The 70 km category completed two loops, while shorter distances used proportionate turnarounds along the same protected corridor.

With the theme “Ride for Change, Ride for Kolkata,” the event offered five categories —

70 km Pro Ride

50 km Endurance Ride

25 km Amateur Ride

10 km Fun Ride

5 km Fun Run

The event drew people of all ages and fitness levels, filling Kolkata’s streets with cheering crowds, live music, and an atmosphere of unity and joy.

Reflecting the spirit of togetherness, the Cyclothon saw strong participation from organizations such as the Railways, NDRF, Coal India, National Institute of Homeopathy, local police, and the armed forces. In a truly inspiring highlight, over 300 specially-abled children from the National Institute of Locomotor Disabilities, accompanied by their buddies, joined the ride—making it a truly inclusive celebration.

The event began at 4:20 AM with the flag-off of the flagship 70 km ride from the SAI Main Gate (NSEC, Salt Lake). Finishers were greeted by a live performance by Bollywood singer Shadab Faridi, adding a festive flourish to the morning.

Padma Bhushan awardees Leander Paes and Usha Uthup inspired the crowd with their words and presence. A special postal cancellation commemorating the first edition of the Cyclothon was released by Mr. Ashok Kumar, Postmaster General, Kolkata.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for a cause that promotes fitness, sustainability, and community. Events like the Kolkata Cyclothon remind us that every pedal counts towards a healthier, greener future,” said Leander Paes.

“It’s absolutely fabulous to be here, and I’m so proud to share this stage with one of the best in the world, Leander Paes. Together, let’s pedal towards a brighter future,” said Usha Uthup.

“The Cyclothon has energised Kolkata’s cycling community and fitness enthusiasts, paving the way for a happier, healthier city and nation,” said Ms. Amar Jyoti, Executive Director, SAI RC Kolkata.

“The response from Kolkata has been phenomenal. Today, the City of Joy truly became a city of energy and fitness,” said Krishna Prakash, IPS, Honorary Race Director.

“The scale, energy, and enthusiasm exceeded all expectations. Delivering a festival-grade experience in the first edition sets a new benchmark for us,” said Meher Tiwari, Event Director, Loha Foundation.

“We’re deeply thankful to Coal India, Loha Foundation, Bidhannagar Police, the Municipal Commissioner, Scouts & Guides, the Startup Foundation, and every volunteer who made this morning seamless and memorable,” said Lakshman Dongari, Assistant Director, SAI RC Kolkata.

Results

70 KM Category

Female (16–34): Shital Chhetri – 2:07:11

Female (35–99): Keya Karmakar Sarkar – 2:42:24

Male (16–34): Roshan Kumar Diwakar – 1:56:29

Male (35–99): Arnab Pal – 2:09:28

50 KM Category

Female (16–34): Debapriya Guha – 2:23:47

Female (35–99): Papiya Shaw – 2:10:05

Male (14–34): Rohit Samal – 1:38:46

Male (35–99): Robert Liao – 1:41:03

25 KM Category

Female (16–34): Jasmine Kaur Anand – 1:05:26

Female (35–99): Smita Smita – 1:04:14

Male (14–34): Priyanshu Biswal – 0:49:31

Male (35–99): Rohit Bhagat – 0:52:48

পরিবেশ সচেতনায় তিলোত্তমায় প্রথম সাইকেল ম্যারাথন, অংশগ্রহণে ছোট থেকে বড়

The grand cycling event will begin at SAI Grounds near the Bypass at 3:45 a.m. and will feature around 3,500 participants. The competition has been divided into five categories—5 km, 10 km, 25 km, 50 km, and 70 km. The event will kick off with the flag-off of the 70 km race at 4:30 a.m. Participants include people of all ages and professions—school and college students, working professionals, and senior citizens—all taking part with great enthusiasm.

Lakshan Dongari, Assistant Director of SAI Kolkata, said, “Cycling isn’t just for athletes; it’s essential for everyone to stay fit. That’s why we’ve organized this Cyclothon. The response has been fantastic, and we hope to make this an annual event.”

Race Director and IPS officer Krishna Prakash stated, “Cycling is not just an exercise—it’s an important solution to many of our environmental and social problems. It helps reduce carbon footprints, eases traffic congestion, solves parking issues, and improves public health. In urban areas where cycling has declined, our goal is to bring people back to the joy of cycling.”

Rakesh Das, a participant in the 70 km race, shared, “An event like this has never happened in Kolkata before. Bringing the whole city together through cycling is a remarkable initiative. I hope more categories will be added in the future and that cycling will become even more popular here.”

Meanwhile, Kavya Gupta, who is competing in the 25 km race, said, “Such initiatives are much needed in Kolkata. Today’s generation needs to step away from screens and come out onto the field. In other countries, people take pride in using bicycles—India too needs to embrace that awareness.”