Priyanka Goswami breaks 35km race walk national record at Dudinska 50

Indian race walker Priyanka Goswami set a new national record in the women’s 35km race walk at the prestigious Dudinska 50 event in Slovakia, clocking an impressive 2:56:34. Competing against a strong international field, the Commonwealth Games silver medallist finished 11th in the 44th edition of the World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold Label meet. Goswami’s record-breaking performance surpassed the previous Indian best of 2:57:54, which was set by Manju Rani at the 2023 National Open Race Walking Championships in Ranchi.

This achievement marks another milestone in Goswami’s career, reinforcing her reputation as one of India‘s top race walkers. The 29-year-old Olympian had previously set a national record in the 20km race walk event, with a time of 1:28:45 at the 2021 National Race Walking Championships in Ranchi.

What Is the Significance of Goswami’s Performance at Dudinska 50?

The Dudinska 50, held annually in Dudince, Slovakia, is one of the most prestigious international race walking events on the World Athletics Race Walking Tour. As a Gold Label meet, it attracts elite race walkers from around the world, making it a crucial platform for athletes looking to achieve Olympic qualification standards and improve their world rankings.

Goswami’s 11th-place finish in such a competitive field underscores her steady improvement and adaptability in the 35km race walk format, which was introduced as an official distance in recent years. Notably, her previous personal best in this event was 3:13:19, meaning she shaved off over 16 minutes from her earlier time—an indication of significant progress in endurance and technique.

Who Were the Top Performers in the Women’s 35km Race Walk?

While Goswami made history for India, the women’s 35km race walk title at the Dudinska 50 went to Paula Milena Torres of Ecuador, who clocked 2:44:26. She was followed by Kimberly García of Peru, the 2022 World Champion, who finished second with a time of 2:45:59. Poland’s Katarzyna Zdzieblo, another accomplished race walker, secured the third spot in 2:46:59.

These results highlight the intense competition at the international level, with elite race walkers consistently clocking sub-2:50 times. For Goswami, competing against such high-caliber athletes provides valuable exposure and experience ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics 2024 and future World Championships.

What Does This Mean for India’s Race Walking Scene?

Goswami’s record-breaking feat is part of a broader trend of Indian race walkers making a mark on the global stage. Over the past decade, India has emerged as a competitive force in race walking, with multiple athletes setting national records and earning podium finishes in international events.

Her achievement at the Dudinska 50 comes at a time when Indian athletics is witnessing a surge in long-distance walking performances, with national record holder Akashdeep Singh also delivering a strong result in the men’s 20km race walk at the same event. Singh finished sixth, clocking 1:24:13, further demonstrating India’s growing depth in the sport.

What’s Next for Priyanka Goswami?

As a two-time Olympian, Goswami will now shift focus to upcoming international events that will serve as crucial qualifiers for the Paris Olympics 2024. With race walking events evolving, especially with the introduction of the mixed relay format in the Olympics, Indian athletes like Goswami are expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s race walking future.

Her continued success also underscores the importance of scientific training methods, improved facilities, and international exposure, which have contributed to India’s rising prominence in long-distance walking events. If she maintains this trajectory, Goswami could be a strong medal contender in future global championships, further enhancing India’s presence in athletics.

How Does This Achievement Compare to Global Standards?

While India’s race walking performances have improved significantly in recent years, the world’s top race walkers continue to set remarkable benchmarks. The women’s world record for the 35km race walk stands at 2:37:44, set by María Pérez of Spain in 2023.

Goswami’s latest record, while a significant improvement for India, still places her several minutes behind the world’s best. However, her steady downward trend in timings indicates that with focused training and enhanced endurance, she could narrow this gap in the coming years.

A Defining Moment in Indian Athletics

Priyanka Goswami’s record-breaking feat at the Dudinska 50 is a landmark achievement that underscores her commitment, endurance, and technical improvement. As she continues to push boundaries, her performance serves as an inspiration for aspiring race walkers in India and reaffirms the country’s growing potential in international athletics.

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, her latest achievement positions her as one of India’s strongest medal hopefuls in race walking. If she continues on this trajectory, Goswami could well become a trailblazer for women’s race walking in India, setting the stage for greater success on the global stage.