Kolkata: Remember his powerful serves which earned him the nicknames of ‘Boom Boom Becker’, ‘Der Bomber’ and ‘Baron von Slam’. The city of Kolkata will be up for a surprise when German tennis legend Boris Becker is likely to grace the Tata 25K marathon on December 18. Becker along with former India captain Sourav Ganguly will be star attraction for the Tata Steel Kolkata (TSK) 25K, which will be in its third year.
The six-time Grand Slam champion (holds the distinction of being the youngest men’s champion of the Wimbledon at only 17 years) will be in the City of Joy for the first time. The 48 year old (presently the coach of World No 2 tennis player Novak Djokovic) has been in India on a couple of occasions before for promotional purposes, but this will be a first time he will be seen inaugurating a marathon in India. Joining Becker will be none other than city’s favorite sons, Sourav Ganguly who also id the face of the TSK 25K.
Commenting on his association with TSK 25K, Sourav said, “Today, running is one of the fastest growing sport in the country and it is a proud moment for Kolkata to host India’s Premier 25 K run, the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K. Running brings with it a sense of freedom, joy and confidence with every step and I am extremely happy to be a part of this running revolution. Tata Steel 25K Kolkata is a positive step towards spreading the message of health and fitness and I urge the people of Kolkata to come out in huge numbers to support the event.”
The TSK 25K is aimed at encouraging everyone to participate and indulge in an active sporting lifestyle. The event includes five categories the 25K (Elite and Amateurs), Open 10K, Ananda Run (5 km), Senior Citizen’s Run (4 km), and Champions with Disability (4 km). The feature races 25K and the Open 10K Run are compulsorily timed race categories.
Come December 18, as the morning mist hangs low over the Hooghly and the first rays of sun kiss the green maidan, the city will witness two of the greatest sporting icons gracing the TSK 25K.