What was meant to be a ceremonial start to one of India’s biggest road races turned into an unexpected viral moment on Sunday, after West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose flagged off the Kolkata 25K Marathon in a manner that left social media both amused and alarmed.
During the opening ceremony of the World Athletics Gold Label event, the Governor used a starter pistol to signal the beginning of the race. However, instead of raising the pistol in the air as is customary, he held it close to his face and fired it forward, startling those standing nearby on the stage.
Videos from the event show a sudden flash and loud sound as the pistol goes off. Senior officials, security personnel, and members of the armed forces standing close by can be seen instinctively flinching, turning away, or shielding their eyes, seemingly caught off guard by the close-range discharge.
Within minutes, clips of the moment flooded social media platforms, where users responded with a mix of humour, sarcasm, and concern. Many joked that the Governor came “dangerously close” to making the marathon memorable for all the wrong reasons, while others questioned safety protocols at high-profile public events.
Some users also raised legal questions, pointing out restrictions on the use of blank pistols in India, while others humorously noted that warnings from security personnel came a fraction too late. The incident quickly overshadowed the ceremonial start, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the day online.
Despite the unexpected drama at the starting line, the marathon itself proceeded smoothly. The Kolkata 25K Marathon, now in its 10th edition, saw strong participation from elite runners from India and abroad. Ugandan long-distance star Joshua Cheptegei emerged victorious, drawing loud cheers from spectators lining the route.
Earlier in the day, Cheptegei spoke warmly about Kolkata, recalling that his early exposure to international athletics had roots in the city. He praised the growth of the event and the enthusiasm of Indian fans.
