Bengaluru, April 26 (H.S.): The international journey of Joshua Cheptegei, which started from the streets of Bengaluru, is set to take a new turn once again in this city. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Cheptegei is participating in the TCS World 10K after 11 years, and he considers this race the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

A Flight Taken Here in 2014

Bengaluru and the TCS World 10K hold emotional significance for Joshua Cheptegei. In 2014, it was his first international trip, and it was here that he gained confidence, which helped him win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the World Junior Athletics Championship in the same year.

Now Road Race is the Priority

The 28-year-old Cheptegei is now bidding farewell to the track and focusing on road races. In a statement on Friday, he said, “I have achieved a lot on the track. Now it is time to move forward. At this new stage of my career, I felt that I should start from where everything began – Bengaluru.”

Olympic 10,000 Meter Gold – The Most Special Achievement

Cheptegei described winning gold in the 10,000 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the most special achievement of his career. The champion, who settled for silver last time, said, “The 10,000 meters is my favorite race, and I couldn’t leave it without an Olympic gold. I had only one goal in Paris – to win gold.”

Now the Goal – To Make an Impact in Road Races

Now that he has won everything on the track, Cheptegei is ready for new records and achievements in the world of road racing. And he is starting this journey once again with the same race in Bengaluru that put him on the world map.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar