Suraj Panwar makes resilient comeback with gold in men's 20km race walk at National Games 2023

Despite qualifying, he was ruled out of Asian Games 2023 with injury.

Uttarakhand’s international race walker, Suraj Panwar, made a triumphant comeback in the men’s 20km race walk event of the National Games 2023. In a thrilling finish, Panwar secured the gold with a time of 1:27:43.00, narrowly edging past Servin of Services who took silver with a time of 1:27:44.00. Haryana’s Hardeep claimed the bronze in 1:28:77.00.

Panwar emphasized the significance of his first-place finish, boosting his confidence after missing major international competitions in 2023 due to low back pain. "I won silver in the previous edition of the National Games in Gujarat. I badly wanted to win gold here in Goa," Panwar expressed his determination. "The race was close, but this time I didn’t let the opportunity slip from my hands."

Although Panwar had achieved the Hangzhou Asian Games qualification time in the men’s 20km, a low back injury kept him out of competitions for four months from March to June this year, resulting in his absence from significant international events, including the recently concluded Hangzhou Asian Games.

Initially, he was advised four weeks of complete rest. Later, a plan involving rehabilitation and a moderate training routine was devised to regain his form. Panwar, a 23-year-old international racewalker, described the experience as psychologically challenging as he worked to rebuild his basic fitness while his competitors surged ahead.

In Goa, he displayed exceptional resilience and determination to reclaim his position. Panwar is now focused on maintaining his health and aiming for a strong performance in next year's domestic circuit.

According to Panwar, he has successfully recovered from his low back injury and is looking forward to a promising 2024 race walking season. The 2024 National Race Walking Championships in February will be a key domestic competition where Panwar aims to secure a spot in the national team.

"In 2023, I narrowly missed the Paris Olympic Games qualification in the 20km race walk. But next year, I will give my best to earn a spot and maintain my performance," Panwar stated before heading for his morning breakfast.