India delivered a stellar performance at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, finishing second overall with a total of 24 medals—8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze. The event concluded on 1 June 2025, with India trailing only China, which topped the table with 19 golds.

Indian athletes set multiple national and championship records, making this the country’s best showing at the Asian Athletics Championships since 2017. Officials and athletes alike celebrated the achievement, calling it a major boost for Indian athletics ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Golden Moments and Record-Breaking Feats

Indian athletes shone brightly across both track and field events, with several standout performances capturing the nation’s attention. Gulveer Singh was the undisputed star, winning double gold in the men’s 5,000m and 10,000m races, with his 5,000m victory setting a new championship record.

Avinash Sable, a consistent performer on the international stage, clinched gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, while Jyothi Yarraji added to India’s tally with a gold in the women’s 100m hurdles.

In the relays, India’s mixed and women’s 4x400m teams powered to gold, with Rupal Chaudhary making headlines by securing three medals—gold in the women’s relay, silver in the women’s 400m, and bronze in the mixed relay.

Field events also saw Indian athletes excel: Pooja Singh soared to gold in the women’s high jump, and Nandini Agasara triumphed in the heptathlon. Animesh Kujur set a new national record in the men’s 200m sprint, earning a bronze medal, while Parul Chaudhary broke the national record in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, taking silver. Sachin Yadav (javelin), Praveen Chithravel (triple jump), and Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon) each brought home silver medals, further highlighting India’s growing depth in athletics.

Officials from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) praised the athletes’ determination and the support provided by coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists. “This is a proud moment for Indian athletics. Our athletes have shown that with the right support and hard work, we can compete with the best in Asia,” said AFI President Adille Sumariwalla.

Building Momentum: India’s Ascent in Asian Athletics

India’s second-place finish marks a significant improvement over recent editions of the Asian Athletics Championships, where the country finished third in 2023 and fifth in 2019. The last time India topped the table was in Bhubaneswar in 2017. This year, India not only increased its gold medal count but also demonstrated consistency across a wide range of events, from sprints and middle-distance races to jumps and throws.

China maintained its dominance with 19 golds out of a total of 32 medals, but India’s 8 golds placed it firmly ahead of Japan, which had more total medals (28) but fewer golds (5). The championships also served as a crucial platform for athletes to test themselves ahead of the World Athletics Championships and the Paris Olympics, with several Indian athletes now seen as genuine medal prospects on the global stage.

The success is being attributed to improved grassroots programmes, better training facilities, and increased investment in sports science. Many athletes credited their coaches and the support system for their achievements, while officials highlighted the importance of sustained funding and exposure to international competitions.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

India’s outstanding performance at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships is a testament to the nation’s growing sporting culture, resilience, and unity. These achievements not only bring pride to the country but also serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes from all backgrounds.

As we celebrate our champions, it is vital to continue fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and fair play in Indian sports. By investing in grassroots development and ensuring equal opportunities for all, we can build a stronger, more harmonious sporting ecosystem.

How do you think India can further harness this momentum to become a global powerhouse in athletics? What steps should be taken to ensure that young talent from every corner of the country gets the support they need?