Former England defender and Premier League star Sol Campbell will flag off eastern India’s biggest road race from Red Road in the early hours of December 15.
Campbell was named the international event ambassador of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, partnered by The Telegraph, on Thursday.
“Tata Steel World 25K (TSW 25K) is proud to announce Sol Campbell as its International Event Ambassador for the 2024 edition. The world’s first World Athletics Gold Label 25K has added another jewel to its crown of international athletes joining the running movement that is fast blossoming in Bengal,” the organisers said.
Football star Hernan Crespo, tennis legend Boris Becker and record-holder athlete Colin Jackson are among the international ambassadors in the earlier editions of the race, which is credited to have inculcated the love for running in eastern India.
Jhulan Goswami, the face of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, partnered by The Telegraph, with students of GD Birla Centre for Education last week. Gautam Bose
“Coming to the City of Joy would be a huge pleasure. Being an Englishman, I know India through cricket, but I have heard that this city is known for its sport-loving people. I am excited to be in Kolkata, a sporting city and part of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, a race that has united the community and works towards a healthy and active life,” Campbell said about his association with the race.
“Anyone who loves football has to love running, that is what makes you the best. So I call out to all the football and sports lovers in Bengal and India to join me at the startline of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on December 15.”
Campbell began his professional career at Tottenham Hotspur. In a much-talked-about transfer in 2001, he switched to Arsenal.
At Arsenal, he became an integral part of the “Invincibles” squad during the 2003-04 season, when they remained undefeated and won the Premier League.
Campbell represented England in multiple major tournaments and earned over 70 caps for his country.
“Off the pitch, Campbell’s legacy goes beyond just football. He has become an advocate for diversity and equality in the sport, often speaking on the lack of representation of coloured players in coaching and leadership roles within football,” the organisers said.
The ninth edition of Tata Steel World Kolkata 25K is scheduled for Sunday, 15th December.
Registrations for Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata — 25K, 10K, Ananda Run (4.5km), Senior Citizen’s Run (2.3km) and Champions with Disability (2.3km) — will remain open until November 22, 11.59pm, or till running places are filled, whichever is earlier, at https://tatasteelworld25k. procam.in/.