NEW DELHI: In the highly anticipated men's 35km race walk final event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, India's celebrated athlete, Ram Baboo, faced a challenging journey, finishing 27th in the competition. The gold medal was clinched by Spain's Alvaro Martin, who showcased exceptional prowess in the event. On the women's side, Maria Perez etched her name in history by completing the 35km race walk with an astounding record time.
Ram Baboo, at the age of 24, crossed the finish line with a time of two hours, 39 minutes, and seven seconds, securing the 27th position among the formidable competitors. His previous triumph at the Dudinska 50 2023 event in Dudince, where he set a national record by completing the 35km race in just two hours, 29 minutes, and 56 seconds, marked a significant achievement. However, his performance at the World Athletics Championships did not mirror his earlier success.
In the women's event, Maria Perez left spectators in awe as she conquered the 35km race walk final event in a record-breaking time of 2:38:40s. Her remarkable feat placed her over two minutes ahead of the silver medalist, the former champion Kimberly Garcia Leon. Representing Peru, Leon earned the silver medal with a time of two hours, 40 minutes, and 52 seconds. The veteran athlete from Greece, Antigoni Ntrismpioti, secured the bronze, completing the race in two hours, 43 minutes, and 22 seconds.
The men's event witnessed a gripping battle as Alvaro Martin of Spain faced tough competition from Ecuador's Brian Pintado. Martin emerged victorious with a narrow lead of just four seconds, completing the event in two hours, 24 minutes, and 30 seconds. Japan's rising star, 24-year-old Masatora Kawano, claimed the bronze medal, finishing with a time of two hours, 25 minutes, and 12 seconds.
As the competition continues, India's hopes are pinned on the 21-year-old Jeswin Aldrin, set to compete in the men's long jump final event. Throughout the history of the World Athletics Championships, India has secured only two medals, one silver and one bronze. The nation eagerly awaits its first medal in the ongoing tournament, holding its breath for an outstanding performance from its athletes.
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