Vikash Singh: Road to Paris 2024 Olympics in 20 Km Race Walk

Vikash Singh set for Olympics debut. (PTI Photo)

Vikash Singh, a rising race walker from Kerala, is set to represent India at the Paris Olympics 2024. He secured his spot with a silver medal performance at the Asian Championships, showcasing his talent and potential on the world stage.

Early Life and Background

Vikash Singh, born on July 6, 1996, in Kerala, India, is a prominent athlete specializing in race walking. His journey in athletics began at a young age, and he has since emerged as one of India’s top competitors in the 20km race walk event. Singh is currently supported by the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), a program that identifies and nurtures promising Indian athletes with aspirations for Olympic glory. The OGQ’s financial and coaching support has undoubtedly played a significant role in Singh’s athletic development.

Qualification for Paris 2024

Singh achieved his Olympic qualification during the Asian Athletics Championships held in May 2023. He delivered an impressive performance, clocking 1:20:05 in the open category of the 20km race walk. This timing not only earned him a silver medal but also secured his place in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The qualifying mark for the Olympics was set at 1:20:10, which Singh comfortably surpassed. This achievement showcased his dedication, talent, and strategic race planning.

Performance and Achievements

Asian Championships 2023: At the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, held in July 2023, Vikash Singh won a bronze medal with a time of 1:29:32 in the 20km race walk. This performance demonstrated his competitive edge, even though it was slower than his Olympic qualifying time. It’s important to consider factors like weather conditions and race strategy when analyzing times across different competitions.

World Athletics Championships 2023: Singh’s participation in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, August 2023, was a valuable learning experience. Although he finished 27th in the men’s 20km race walk with a time of 1:21:58, competing against the best race walkers in the world provided him with crucial insights into international competition. This experience will undoubtedly be beneficial as he prepares for the Olympics.

Olympic Prospects

Vikash Singh is set to compete in the men’s 20km race walk at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. His event is scheduled for August 1, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM IST. Singh will be among the three race walkers representing India at the Games, sharing the stage with fellow athlete Paramjeet Singh Bisht, who also qualified for the Olympics with a time of 1:20:08, narrowly missing the qualifying mark. India’s strong presence in the race walking event signifies the growing strength of the sport within the country.

Career Highlights

  • Asian 20km Race Walking Championships (March 2023): Silver medal with a time of 1:20:05, surpassing the Olympic qualification mark of 1:20:10.
  • Asian Athletics Championships (July 2023): Bronze medal with a time of 1:29:32.
  • World Athletics Championships (August 2023): 27th place with a time of 1:21:58.

Training and Preparation

In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, Vikash Singh is likely undergoing intensive training, focusing on improving his speed, endurance, and race tactics. He might be participating in training camps or competitions closer to the Olympics to fine-tune his skills and adjust to different racing environments. The support of his coaches, trainers, and the OGQ will be crucial during this critical phase.

Conclusion

Vikash Singh’s journey from his early days in Kerala to qualifying for the Paris Olympics is a testament to his dedication and skill in race walking. As he prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, his past performances and current form will be critical factors in his pursuit of Olympic success. With continued support and training, Singh aims to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The entire nation will be cheering him on as he strives to bring home a medal and add another chapter to India’s growing legacy in athletics. Also read – https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indian-athletes-qualified-for-2024-olympics/

https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/vikash-singh-14716483

Vikash Singh’s Progression in various race walking events:

10,000 Metres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
201544:45.59Ranchi (IND)24 Nov 2015

10 Kilometres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
201644:33Jaipur (IND)28 Feb 2016
202439:47Sports Complex, Sector 7, Chandigarh (IND)31 Jan 2024

20,000 Metres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
20151:40:51.00Kolkata (IND)18 Sep 2015
20161:32:40.53Hindan (IND)31 Aug 2016
20171:29:24.43Jalahalli (IND)23 Aug 2017
20191:24:52.20Pune (IND)08 Sep 2019

20 Kilometres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
20151:41:17Chennai (IND)12 Jul 2015
20161:30:56Jaipur (IND)27 Feb 2016
20171:34:10Chennai (IND)27 Sep 2017
20181:22:39New Delhi (IND)18 Feb 2018
20191:24:49Ranchi (IND)11 Oct 2019
20201:22:27Ranchi (IND)15 Feb 2020
20211:24:47Ranchi (IND)13 Feb 2021
20221:24:31Ranchi (IND)16 Apr 2022
20231:20:05Nomi (JPN)19 Mar 2023
20241:21:59Antalya (TUR)21 Apr 2024

35 Kilometres Race Walk

YearPerformanceVenueDate
20213:08:43Ranchi (IND)14 Feb 2021
20222:45:19Jalahalli (IND)09 Sep 2022

Current world ranking positions:

DisciplinePlaceScore
Men’s 20km Race Walking711185
Men’s Overall Ranking14861185

Highest world ranking positions:

DisciplinePlaceWeeks
Men’s 35km Race Walking278
Men’s 20km Race Walking364
Men’s Overall Ranking12741

Personal Bests

sciplinePerformanceWindVenueDateRecordsResults Score
10,000 Metres Race Walk44:45.59Ranchi (IND)24 Nov 2015932
10 Kilometres Race Walk39:47Sports Complex, Sector 7, Chandigarh (IND)31 Jan 20241137
20,000 Metres Race Walk1:24:52.20Pune (IND)08 Sep 20191088
20 Kilometres Race Walk1:20:05Nomi (JPN)19 Mar 20231189
35 Kilometres Race Walk2:45:19Jalahalli (IND)09 Sep 20221018

Honours – Asian Championships

PlaceDisciplineMarkVenueDate
320 Kilometres Race Walk1:29:32Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok (THA)16 Jul 2023

Honours – Asian Games

PlaceDisciplineMarkVenueDate
520 Kilometres Race Walk1:27:33Qiantang River Green Belt, Hangzhou (CHN)29 Sep 2023