The 60th Annual Walking Race of the Bombay Keraleeya Samajam was successfully conducted on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. The event, which began at 6.30 a.m., witnessed enthusiastic participation of around 150 walkers competing in various categories, marking yet another proud milestone in the Samajam’s six-decade-long sporting tradition.
The prize distribution ceremony was held at the Kabaddi Association Hall. The function was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar, Dronacharya Awardee 2023, and was presided over by Samajam Sports In-charge R. N. Suresh Kumar. Samaj Secretary A. R. Devadas delivered the welcome address and briefed the gathering about the activities of the Samajam. Treasurer M. V. Ravi proposed the vote of thanks, while K. Padmasundaran compered the programme. The Chief Guest distributed cash awards, certificates and trophies to the winners.
In the 10 km Men’s category, Rajan Rupendra Singh secured first place, followed by Sujith Rupendra Singh and Dishu Ghoji (S. S. Sahane High School, Khar). Avinav Maurya was adjudged Stylish Walker. In the 10 km Women’s category, Priya Vijay Kumar Gupta (Fit Desire Club) won first place, followed by Malati Acharya (S. S. Sahane High School, Khar) and Mitali Boble (Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar), while Rupali U. Naik Wade was named Stylish Walker.
In the 10 km Boys Under-15 category, Amarish Pal won first place, Veer Patil second and Gouresh Dalvi (Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar) third, with Siddhanand Jaswal (Fit Desire Club) declared Stylish Walker. In the 10 km Girls Under-15 category, Suman Munde (S. S. Sahane High School, Khar) secured first place, followed by Karishma Sonkar and Aarti Yadav (Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar), while Arohi Jadhav was selected as Stylish Walker.
In the 40–50 years Men’s category, Sanjay Dalvi (Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar) won first place and Sunil S. Nagare second. In the 40–50 years Women’s category, Mrs. Asha Dhanawade stood first and Shruti Dalvi (Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Dadar) second. In the 50–65 years Men’s category, Suresh Nair won first place and Shriram Ganjal second, while in the 50–65 years Women’s category, Mrs. Manisha Chaudhary secured first place and Kamal Dinkar second.
In the 65–75 years Men’s category, Dinesh Chand Asopia won first place and Puthur Govindan Baburajan second. In the 65–75 years Women’s category, Mrs. Shyamala Unni stood first and Leelamma Francis second. In the Above 75 years Men’s category, Shri Eknath Patil won first place and Dr. Santa Maria second, while in the Above 75 years Women’s category, Meena Dhananjay Acharya emerged the winner.
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest emphasised that such events organised by the Samajam, transcending linguistic and regional differences, promote health awareness, unity and discipline in society.
The grand success of the event was made possible through the wholehearted support of the office bearers, former office bearers and women members of the Samajam. Governing Body members Alben Kumar, Vinod Kumar V. Nair, Manikandan, Krishnakumar M. G. Nair and Jyothirmayi provided effective leadership and coordination. Former Governing Body members Premarajan Nambiar, R. V. Venugopal, C. P. Haridas, Jayaram and Bindu Priyan, along with women members Ananda S. Nair, Dhanya, Urmila and Reshma Suresh, also played a vital role in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
