India’s athletics campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded with two relay medals, as the women’s 4x400m team won gold and the men’s quartet secured bronze in Nagoya, Japan. Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj clocked 3:29.69 to finish ahead of Bahrain and China, giving India its first athletics gold of the Games.
The men’s team of Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu TS, Jay Kumar and Vishal TK finished third in 3:01.61, behind Japan and Qatar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both teams, describing the women’s performance as “magnificent” and praising their speed, determination and teamwork. He also congratulated the men for their “superb timing” and expressed hope that their success would contribute to the popularity of athletics.
Women Clinch Gold
The women’s quartet delivered India’s first athletics gold of the 2026 Asian Games in the 4x400m relay. Kiran Pahal began the race and handed the baton over in third position. M.R. Poovamma then moved India into the lead before Prachi Choudhary handed over to Vithya Ramraj for the final leg. Vithya held off Bahrain’s challenge to bring India home in 3:29.69.
Bahrain finished second in 3:30.21, while China took bronze in 3:31.02. The result also gave India its first-ever Asian Games gold in the women’s 4x400m relay, according to President Droupadi Murmu’s message congratulating the team. Vithya added a third medal to her campaign, having previously won silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles. Prachi also secured her second medal of the Games after winning bronze in the women’s 400m.
I am delighted to extend my warm congratulations to Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj on winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 4x400m Relay at the Asian Games 2026. This historic victory has brought India its first-ever Gold in this event at the…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 29, 2026
Men Take Bronze
India’s men’s 4x400m relay team of Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu TS, Jay Kumar and Vishal TK clocked 3:01.61 to finish third. Japan won gold in 3:00.75, while Qatar took silver in 3:00.93. India had entered the final with a season-best 3:00.32, the fastest time among the finalists, but finished behind Japan and Qatar in the medal race.
During the final, Jay Kumar moved India into the medal positions before the team slipped back to fourth during the final exchange. Anchor runner Vishal TK then moved India back into third and held off Thailand’s challenge to secure the bronze.
The result meant India did not retain the men’s 4x400m relay title it had won at the previous Asian Games. PM Modi congratulated Dharmveer, Manu, Jay and Vishal, saying their bronze came with “superb timing” and expressing hope that their achievement would help increase the popularity of athletics.
Remarkable indeed!
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 29, 2026
Congratulations to Dharmveer Chaudhary, Manu TS, Jay Kumar and Vishal TK on winning Bronze in the Men’s 4×400m Relay with a superb timing. May their success contribute to the popularity of athletics in the times to come: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/TA4inEypGA
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The relay medals underline the importance of collective effort in sport, where every athlete has a role in carrying the team towards the finish line. India’s women produced a historic result in an event that requires coordination and trust, while the men fought back during the final stages to secure a podium place.
The achievements also offer an opportunity to look beyond medal counts and recognise the preparation, discipline and support systems that help athletes compete at the highest level.
With India continuing to build its presence in athletics, how can we ensure athletes receive sustained support and opportunities throughout their careers, rather than only during major international competitions?
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