Hyderabad:The last time the two of them competed against each other, it was Sudha Singh who triumphed over Kavita Raut, in the Delhi Half Marathon in September 2012. Two of India’s finest long distance athletes will lock horns once again when they line up for the Jamba Cloud Hyderabad 10K that will be flagged off from the People’s Plaza on Sunday, November 25.
Sudha Singh, the current National record holder for the 3000m steeple chase and a fierce competitor, stands out the favourite over the 10km distance on road, thanks to her latest performances. Having been a part of the team that did a training stint in Kenya prior to the London Olympics, Sudha is fighting fit and stands out to the be the athlete to beat on Sunday.
However, Kavita Raut, who holds the advantage over Sudha in head to head meetings, and not one to take defeat lightly will be looking to make amends on Sunday. Kavita, who holds the current National record for 10km road running with a time of 34.32, is also geared up for the No. 1 finish on Sunday. Both Sudha and Kavita will, however, have to also contend with the talented youngster Monika Athrey, winner of the World 10K in Bangalore in May and Lalita Babbar, another leading 10km runner.
Among the Indian men, the fight for top honours is expected to be between Ratiram Saini, Nitendra Singh Rawat, Soji Mathew and G Laxmanan, all accomplished 10km runners, who have shone earlier on the international stage. Ratiram Saini is the fastest Indian athlete in the field, having clocked 29-27 in the 10000m at the 2012 Federation Cup. He has also been a past medalist at the Delhi Half Marathon. Chasing him will be Nitendra Singh Rawat who has a 10km personal best of 30.10 and was also the runner-up at the 2012 Delhi Half Marathon. Experience Soji Mathews will also be a name to contend with as he has always displayed the big race temperament and will be looking to make his mark here.
The other names that bear mention are Laxmnanan, with a best of 30.50, Ajay Kumar Patel, with a best of 30.07 and Ram Babu, with a best of 30.45.
By Indian Sports News Network