India Shines Bright with Three Gold Medals in a Single Day at the Asian Athletics Championships
India made headlines with an outstanding performance at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships held in Gumi City, South Korea. On the third day of the event, Indian athletes clinched three gold medals, demonstrating the country’s growing dominance in track and field sports. Over 2,000 athletes from 43 nations are competing in this prestigious continental meet, making the Indian contingent’s success all the more impressive.
Avinash Sable – Gold in Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
One of the biggest highlights came from Avinash Sable, who won the gold medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. The 30-year-old from Maharashtra clocked 8:20.92 minutes, finishing ahead of Japan’s Yutaro NINAI (8:24.41) and Qatar’s Zakaria Al-Aklami (8:27.12), who claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Sable’s performance was particularly significant because it marked his second medal at the Asian Championships, having won a silver in the 2019 edition. Moreover, he became the first Indian athlete since 1989 to win a gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at this championship.
His win was not only a personal milestone but also a major achievement for Indian athletics. Known for his endurance and tactical brilliance, Sable surged ahead in the final leg of the race, overtaking his competitors in a thrilling finish. His victory is a testament to India’s improving presence in middle-distance and long-distance events on the Asian stage.
Women’s 100m Hurdles – Gold for Jyothi Yarraji
In another electrifying performance, Indian sprinter Jyothi Yarraji defended her title in the 100m hurdles. The 25-year-old from Andhra Pradesh finished the race in 12.96 seconds, setting a new championship record and securing her second consecutive gold at the Asian Championships.
She beat Japan’s Yumi Tanaka and China’s Wu Yani, who both finished with a time of 13.06 seconds. Yarraji’s consistency and explosive start helped her maintain a lead throughout the race, reinforcing her reputation as one of Asia’s fastest female hurdlers.
This victory added to her growing legacy and further established her as a key figure in Indian sprinting. Jyothi has been an inspiration for aspiring female athletes in India, showing that with determination and proper coaching, athletes can dominate at the highest level.
Women’s 4x400m Relay – Gold Glory
India’s dominance continued with an emphatic win in the women’s 4x400m relay. The team, comprising Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, Kunja Rajitha, and Subha Venkatesan, clocked 3:34.18 minutes to secure the gold medal.
The team’s performance was marked by smooth baton exchanges, consistent pace, and a strong finishing leg. Tamil Nadu’s Subha Venkatesan, who also contributed to India’s gold in the mixed relay earlier, played a crucial role in sealing the victory for India. This gold was India’s fifth gold medal overall in the championship and the third on that single day, highlighting the depth of talent in Indian women’s athletics.
Men’s 4x400m Relay – Silver Medal Finish
In the men’s 4x400m relay, India bagged a silver medal with a time of 3:03.67 minutes. The team consisted of Jaykumar, Dharamveer Chaudhary, Manu Saji, and Vishal. Although they narrowly missed out on gold—Qatar’s team won with a time of 3:03.52 minutes—the Indian quartet gave a commendable performance.
The men’s team showed excellent coordination and stamina, pushing hard till the end. The silver added valuable points to India’s overall standing and showcased India’s strength in relay events, which are often considered the pinnacle of teamwork in athletics.
Women’s Long Jump – Double Podium Finish
India also made its mark in the women’s long jump, securing both silver and bronze medals. Ancy Sojan leaped to a distance of 6.33 meters to win silver, while Shaili Singh followed closely with 6.30 meters, earning the bronze. Iran’s Reyhaneh Momeni Arani clinched gold with a jump of 6.40 meters.
These performances are especially noteworthy given the competitive field. Both Indian athletes are young and show immense potential. Their podium finishes not only reflect their current capabilities but also promise brighter prospects in the years to come.
Significance of India’s Success
India’s performance on the third day was a remarkable feat. Winning three gold medals in a single day at an Asian-level championship is a rare achievement and speaks volumes about the nation’s growing stature in athletics.
It also demonstrates the success of training programs, increased investment in sports infrastructure, and better exposure for Indian athletes through international competitions. The role of coaches, support staff, and sports scientists cannot be understated, as they have contributed to the improved performance standards of Indian athletes.
Furthermore, the emergence of athletes from diverse states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala shows the geographical spread of talent across the country. This diversity is essential for building a strong national athletics ecosystem.
Inspiring the Next Generation
India’s recent success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for young athletes across the nation. With role models like Avinash Sable, Jyothi Yarraji, and Subha Venkatesan, more youth will be motivated to pursue athletics seriously.
The performance at the Asian Championships is also a strong indicator of India’s preparedness for bigger platforms like the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics. Continued support from government bodies like the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and private stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining this upward trajectory.
Conclusion
The third day of the 26th Asian Athletics Championships was a golden chapter in Indian sports history. With three golds, a silver, and a bronze medal in a single day, India has once again proved its mettle on the continental stage. These victories not only bring pride to the nation but also lay the foundation for a stronger and more competitive future in global athletics.
As the championship progresses, all eyes will be on India to see how many more medals can be added to the tally. One thing is certain: Indian athletes have arrived, and they are here to stay.
