TSK 25K runners, world’s first, 25K finishers to receive ‘Medal of Steel’ from Tata Steel
Ambar Bhattacharya, abptakmaa, Kolkata, 3rd Dec 2019 : The Tata Steel Kolkata 25K (TSK 25K) will this year give a finishers’ medal to everyone who crosses the line making the only IAAF accredited Silver Label race at this unique distance a real reflection of the steely resolve of the Kolkatans, even as registrations go on at a fast pace. The medal has been especially crafted out of steel by the title sponsors Tata Steel and hence this year the Medal Of Steel
TSK 25K is now an integral part of the city’s culture, going beyond its sporting boundaries. It is a sporting festival that celebrates triumph and victory of the human spirit over all odds; a festival that celebrates the people of Kolkata —Feel The Spirit.
Today on this occasion special guests present were Deep Dasgupta, Former India Cricketer & Commentator, Debashis Kumar, MMIC, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President (Corporate Service), Tata Steel, Vineet Agarwal, CEO- T10 Sports, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Sarthal Educational Trust, CWD Facilitator, Kushan Rai- Cluster Head, Radio Mirchi and others.
Countdown to the sixth edition of the event kick-started with registrations going at a hot pace. Over the years, the event has reached new heights, with all categories showing increasing numbers. With the last few spots up for grabs, registrations will remain open till 7th December 2019. For more details pls visit: www.tatasteelkolkata25K.procam.in.
Each year, the event strives to offer its runners, a new and enhanced experience. This year is no exception.
THE MEDAL OF STEEL STORY: A world’s first, for the 2019 edition, Tata Steel along with Procam International, will celebrate the steely resolve of the 25K runners. Each finisher will be rewarded with a ‘Medal of Steel’ uniquely crafted by Tata Steel.
Steel is a symbol of the human spirit; of inner grit, strength and determination. It is the critical element that helps us ‘face obstacles and odds without breaking. It keeps us going’. The medal design is our homage to the spirit of Kolkata. It is an amalgamation of elements of the city, that make up the spirit of Kolkata. It is a tangible manifestation of the ‘steely’ spirit of the city and our event participants.
Pioneers in the steel industry, Tata Steel is a part of every symbol of pride, from our past. The symbols of pride for the future, will also be made with Tata Steel. Not just ordinary steel, but Steel with innovations such as Graphene. For this edition, Tata Steel is using this unique medal of steel, to communicate this philosophy at the TSK 25K.
Mr Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said: “This year’s inclusion of the Medal of Steel for the 25K finishers is a particularly important milestone. Given the rich legacy of the Tata Group and Tata Steel in particular, along with our strong commitment to a better tomorrow, the medal is a symbol of strength and perseverance. It is a tangible reminder to “Feel the Spirit.”
“We are delighted to see Kolkata embrace running as its own and it is humbling to see the event transcend the boundaries of sport. Our ethos #feelthespirit, truly captures the essence of the city. The Medal of Steel is an exciting new addition for our runners, and we are sure it will boost the morale of the 25 Km participants, to give their best on race day. The success of this event is only possible with the support from all our stake-holders – the government authorities, the Indian Army – Eastern Command, our partners and our visionary title sponsor Tata Steel. We wish all the participants a great run on Sunday, 15th December 2019, said Vivek Singh, Jt. MD. Procam International.
Sarthak Educational Trust, Facilitator for Champions with Disability: TSK 25K takes pride in being an inclusive event. Since its inception the Champions with Disability has been an integral part of the race and this year Sarthak Educational Trust as a facilitator to the category has been a valued addition. Sarthak Educational Trust is a Civil Society Organization, working for the mainstreaming of Persons with Disability (PwD) through Early Intervention, Inclusive Education, Skill Development and Employment Generation. They have trained and placed aprox 18000 persons with disabilities, with the support of 27+ funding partners and 1000+ equal opportunity employers.
Dr Jitender Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust, stated, “When I say PwDs can do whatever an able-bodied person can, people in general agree, but whether they accept it with full conviction! Mostly Not. And it’s just because they have not witnessed such instances on their own. By letting PwDs walk with others on the same track with the same enthusiasm and zeal, we could bridge the perceptual gap of what a PwD can and cannot do. And we are very excited to partner with Procam International, to promote participation of persons with different disabilities at theTata Steel Kolkata 25K as CwD facilitator. I urge all persons with disabilities, their parents, friends, neighbours, colleagues to make the race on Sunday 15th December, eventful and join us in the Champions with Disability participation category. Your simple gesture to walk together carries immense potential to change attitude. Let’s Walk the Talk on December 15th and make our Steps echo the spirit of equality.”
VIJAY DIWAS TROPHY: In a show of solidarity with the Services, and to celebrate Vijay Diwas which falls during the week of the event, the TSK 25K is honoured to have the whole-hearted participation of the Eastern Command. Vijay Diwas trophy which was launched last year, continues to serve as an integral challenge of the event. The Trophy is inspired by the momentous Vijay Smarak and is a Rolling Trophy.
Vijay Diwas Trophy will be contested between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force with total 30 Teams. Each team will have three-members running the 25K and the aggregate of their individual timings will determine the winner. The top three teams stand to win INR 60,000, INR 42,000 and INR 30,000 respectively.
POLICE CUP: An event of this stature is not possible without the unstinted support from Kolkata Police. To applaud their sporting spirit, there is a special category within the event, i.e the Police Cup. 40 police teams will be competing in this category. Each team has 3 members, running the 10km and the team with the fastest aggregate time, will be adjudged the winner. The total prize money for this category is INR 66,000.
T10 FINISHERS TEE: As an incentive for runners and to appreciate their efforts, all the overall top 790 men and 190 women finishers in the Open 10K will receive T10 Sports Finishers Tee.
THE MIRCHI GET ACTIVE EXPO: The Expo is a one-stop destination for health and fitness enthusiasts to come together under one roof. The three-day expo opens on Thursday, 12th December 2019, at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. The expo will remain open from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm on Thursday & Friday and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. In addition to Bib collection, bib timing tag verification, the expo will help runners get tips from experts, trainers, doctors and more, in preparation for their big day.
SELVEL ONE: India’s leading ‘on the move communication specialist’ joined hands with Tata Steel Kolkata 25k. They have supported the event in showcasing the campaign through a mix of high visibility outdoor sites and innovate digital outdoor across the city of Kolkata.
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE: For the benefit of all 25K and 10K participants, this year a shuttle bus service has been introduced from 24 different locations in the city for a nominal charge.
For 10K – 3:00 am onwards to Bangabasi Ground and return journey from 7:15 am onwards, every 15 minutes For 25K – 3:30 am onwards to Bangabasi Ground and return journey from 7:15 am onwards, every 15 minutes. Publicity : Carpediem Communique. Photography : Rajen Biswas.
