Kolkata is set for a bustling Sunday with a major international sporting spectacle and a significant political gathering, leading to planned traffic diversions across key parts of the city. The twin events are expected to draw large crowds and impact movement in central Kolkata.
Elite Athletes Converge for World Athletics Gold Label Race
The highlight of the day is the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2025, a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. The marathon will commence from Indira Gandhi Road, bringing together a stellar field of elite international and Indian distance runners.
The men's race features global superstars like Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion. He will be challenged by Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Simbu, the reigning world marathon champion who clinched gold in Tokyo earlier this year.
On the Indian front, all eyes will be on national record-holder Gulveer Singh, who returns after setting an Indian meet record of 1:14:10 here last year. The field also includes Abhishek Pal, the 2022 Kolkata champion and recent TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2025 gold medalist.
Indian Contenders and Women's Race Highlights
In the women's category, Ethiopia's Sutume Asefa Kebede will aim for a hat-trick of titles as the defending champion. She will face fierce competition from India's best, led by defending national champion Sanjivani Jadhav.
Sanjivani's rivals include Seema, the 2025 Delhi Half Marathon winner and a South Asian Championships silver medalist, and Thakor Nirmaben Bharatjee, who triumphed at the 2025 Mumbai Marathon. The event will be live-streamed and telecast for audiences across India.
Traffic Disruptions and Alternative Events
To facilitate the marathon, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented across central Kolkata. Affected areas include Red Road, Mayo Road, Park Street, and AJC Bose Road. Commuters are strongly advised to plan their travel in advance and seek alternative routes.
Adding to the day's events, the women's wing of the CPI(M), the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), will hold a rally at Dharmatala (Esplanade) around 1:30 pm. This rally marks the inauguration of their state conference and will contribute to traffic congestion in the central business district.
Separately, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to meet eminent personalities at the Science City auditorium, with engagements spanning from 9 am into the evening. The convergence of these high-profile events promises a day of vibrant activity and significant logistical coordination for the City of Joy.
