Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 18: Defending Indian elite men’s champion Srinu Bugatha and fellow army runner Man Singh are banking on their high-altitude training in Ooty to shine in the landmark 20th Tata Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.
“I am aiming to break the course record. This is my fifth time running India’s best and biggest marathon. Ooty’s training has helped me prepare well, and being familiar with the course gives us Indian runners an edge,” said Bugatha.
Man Singh, the reigning Asian marathon champion, also has his sights set on glory. “The course record is the target. If weather conditions are favorable, Indian runners can clock impressive timings. I’ve trained hard in Ooty and aim for a personal best of 2:14,” he said.
The star-studded Indian elite line-up features Olympian Gopi T., promising talent Kalidas Hirave, and 2023 Asian Games 10,000m silver medallist Kartik Kumar in the men’s category. In the women’s section, defending champion Thakor Nirmaben and Shymali Singh, among others, will compete for top honours.
The Indian elite men’s and women’s top three finishers will take home INR 5 lac, INR 4 lac, and INR 3 lac, respectively, from the total prize pool of USD 389,524. Additionally, an incentive of INR 2 lac is on offer for breaking the course record, currently held by NS Rawat (2:15:48, 2016) and Sudha Singh (2:34:56, 2019).
Two-time champion Gopi T, also an army athlete, is keen to make his mark. “This is my sixth appearance at the TMM. My goal is to qualify for the World Championships. I’ve been logging weekly mileage of 190-200 km and feel confident about Sunday’s race,” said Gopi, who edged past Bugatha by a second to win the 2024 New Delhi Marathon in 2:14:40.
In the women’s section, Nirmaben is eager to defend her title. “I’m aiming for a time of 2:39 this year. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in Kolkata, I’m determined to improve my timing here,” she shared.
Shymali Singh, who secured third place among Indian elite women last year, drew inspiration from her recent meeting with international event ambassador sir Mo Farah. “Meeting sir Mo Farah was a dream. His message of perseverance was inspiring, and I hope to channel that energy during the race,” she said.
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s event, all eyes are on the Indian elite athletes and their quest for glory in one of the country’s most prestigious marathons.