India’s race walking contingent is set to step onto the global stage once again, with a 12-member squad gearing up for the prestigious World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships 2026 in Brasília, Brazil, scheduled for April 12. The team, led by experienced campaigners Ram Baboo and Manju Rani, will represent the country in what promises to be a highly competitive international field.
The squad’s departure was confirmed after a last-minute clearance of travel documents, with athletes leaving for Brazil late Thursday night. The delayed visa approvals added an element of uncertainty to preparations, but officials from the Athletics Federation of India ensured that all formalities were completed in time for the team’s participation.
India’s lineup features a mix of seasoned race walkers and promising young athletes. Alongside Ram Baboo in the men’s category are Sandeep Kumar, Hardeep, Sahil, Servin Sebasthiyan, and Akshdeep Singh. The women’s team includes Manju Rani, Priyanka Goswami, Payal, Mansi Negi, Munita Prajapati, and Ravina.
Priyanka Goswami, one of India’s most accomplished race walkers in recent years, adds depth and experience to the women’s squad, while younger athletes will look to gain valuable exposure at the global level. The 2026 edition marks a significant shift in race walking formats. Traditional 20km and 35km events have been replaced with longer distances, including the half marathon and full marathon race walks, along with a 10km race for the U20 category.
This change introduces a new tactical dimension to the competition, demanding greater endurance and strategic pacing from athletes. It also aligns race walking more closely with mainstream road racing formats, potentially enhancing its global appeal.
The championships, now in their 31st edition, will be held entirely on a single day, featuring multiple races across categories. The event will also be the first time these new distances are contested at a World Athletics series competition.
Beyond individual performances, the event places strong emphasis on team results. Each country can field up to five athletes in senior races, with the top three finishers contributing to the team score. The nation with the lowest combined finishing positions is declared the winner. For India, this means consistency across the squad will be crucial.
Even if one athlete finishes strongly, the overall team outcome depends on collective performance. In the U20 category, the scoring is based on the top two finishers from each nation, further intensifying competition among emerging athletes.
The championships are expected to feature elite race walkers from across the world, including reigning world champions and Olympic medallists. Competing against such high-calibre opposition offers Indian athletes a valuable benchmark to assess their progress on the international stage. For younger members of the squad, this event serves as an important stepping stone toward larger competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
With a blend of experience and youth, India will be aiming not only for respectable individual finishes but also a strong showing in the team standings. The leadership of Ram Baboo and Manju Rani will be key in guiding the squad through the challenges of a demanding format and intense competition.
As the athletes take to the streets of Brasília, the focus will be on endurance, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that define race walking at the highest level. For India, this championship represents both an opportunity to make a mark globally and a platform to build momentum for future international events.
India’s Squad:
Women’s Marathon Race Walk – Payal, Priyanka Goswami, Manju Rani
Women’s Half Marathon Race Walk – Mansi Negi, Munita Prajapati, Ravina
