India finished the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, with a satisfactory total of 24 medals, including 8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze, and finished second in the overall table behind China.
The last day saw Indian participants contribute six medals to the tally, bringing the total to five, including three silver and three bronze. In particular, Parul Chaudhary won silver in the women’s 5000m, adding to her previous silver from the 3000m steeplechase, in which she achieved a new national record of 9:12.46.
Gulveer Singh stood out as a shining star, winning gold in the men’s 5000m and 10,000m. Young Pooja Singh, just 18 years old, recorded a personal best to claim gold in the high jump, and Nandini Agasara won the heptathlon.
Avinash Sable ended India’s 36-year wait for a gold medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, timing 8:20.92. The 200m saw sprinter Animesh Kujur setting a new national record.
The 4x100m relay women’s team, comprising Srabani Nanda, Sneha SS, Abhinaya Rajarajan, and Nithya Gandhe, won silver with a seasonal best timing of 43.86 seconds.
Javelin thrower Sachin Yadav earned his personal best of 85.16 meters, claiming silver. Middle-distance athlete Pooja and hurdler Vithya Ramraj each won a bronze medal in their event.
India’s performance, as evidenced by national records and personal bests, is a testament to the nation’s rising status in Asian athletics and augurs well for future international events.
