Seema, a long distant runner from Chamba, once again delivered a stellar performance at the 10th Tata Steel World 25K marathon by clinching the gold medal and setting a new national record in Kolkata on Sunday.
Seema is a native of Reta village in Chamba district and her achievement has made the state and Chamba proud. Seema completed the demanding endurance race in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 4 seconds, surpassing the previous record.
The 25,000-metre event is considered one of the toughest long-distance races in athletics, testing not only physical strength but also mental resilience. Seema maintained a steady rhythm throughout the race and gradually increased her pace in the later stages, ensuring a comfortable lead before crossing the finish line.
With this victory, Seema has added yet another golden chapter to her already illustrious career. She has previously won medals at junior, youth and senior national championships and has represented India at international events, consistently bringing laurels to the country and to Himachal Pradesh.
Seema credited her rigorous training, guidance from her coaches and unwavering support from her family with her golden achievement. She said that the challenging terrain of her home state had played a vital role in building her endurance and mental toughness.
Officials concerned said that Seema’s performance had set a benchmark for Indian long-distance runners. Coaches and experts believe that Seema’s current form and consistency make her a strong contender for the upcoming international competitions.
Seema’s path to success was paved with challenges. She grew up in poverty and lost her father at the age of 12, leaving her family dependent on farming and cattle rearing for survival. Despite these hardships, Seema built a career in athletics. Her early talent in athletics was noticed in school competitions, eventually earning her a spot in district and state-level events.
A turning point in Seema’s career came when she was selected for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel, where she received world-class coaching. This support propelled her to national prominence, starting with a gold medal in the Junior National Athletics Championship at Ranchi in 2015. Over the years, she continued to break records, including national records in the 2,000 m and 3,000 m races at junior levels.
Seema’s international breakthrough was equally inspiring. Despite financial difficulties, her mother broke a fixed deposit to fund Seema’s participation in the Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok, where she won a bronze medal. This marked the beginning of her rise on the international stage and she won a silver medal at the 2018 Youth Asian Olympics Qualifying Games. In 2024, she had won the gold medal in the 10,000-m race at the 17th Asian Cross-Country Championships in Hong Kong.
CM Sukhu congratulates star long distance runner
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Seema, a resident of Reta village in Chamba district, for winning a gold medal at the world-class athletics competition in Kolkata
- Seema also set a new national record in the 25,000-metre race.
- The CM said Seema has brought glory to Himachal Pradesh on the national stage, adding that her remarkable achievement will inspire aspiring athletes across the country.