R Vithya Ramraj, the 26-year-old hurdler from Tamil Nadu, continues to make waves in Indian athletics by consistently breaking records and winning medals at national and international levels. In 2023, she equalled PT Usha’s 39-year-old national record of 55.42 seconds in the 400m hurdles at the Asian Games. She went on to claim gold at the 2025 National Federation Senior Athletics Competition with a meet record of 56.04 seconds, and won bronze at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships.
Vithya also represented India in the 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Officials have lauded her achievements, highlighting her as a beacon for upcoming athletes and a symbol of India’s growing prowess in track and field events.
From Coimbatore lanes to elite tracks – Vithya’s record-breaking journey
Born to a truck driver & homemaker, Vithya Ramraj’s rise from modest beginnings in Coimbatore to the top tiers of athletics showcases remarkable determination and talent. At the 63rd National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru in 2024, she shattered PT Usha’s 39-year-old meet record by finishing the 400m hurdles in 56.23 seconds, eclipsing Usha’s 56.8-second record set in 1985.
Vithya had earlier equalled the national record of 55.42 seconds at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, marking a historic moment in Indian athletics. Her recent gold at the 2025 Federation Cup in Kochi, where she clocked 56.04 seconds-surpassing the previous meet record-further demonstrates her consistent growth.
Beyond personal bests, Vithya’s performances contribute to India’s rising stature in the Asian athletics scene, inspiring young athletes nationwide with her grit and humility.
A legacy of excellence – continuing the PT Usha tradition
PT Usha, India’s “Queen of Track and Field,” set benchmarks that have stood for decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian sports history. Vithya Ramraj’s near and actual record-breaking feats are seen as a continuation of this legacy, signaling a new era of Indian hurdlers aiming for global competitiveness.
Her performance in multi-nation meets, including the 2024 Paris Olympics where she was part of the women’s 4x400m relay team, reflects improved infrastructure, training, and institutional support. PT Usha, now President of the Indian Olympic Association, has publicly expressed pride and hope for Vithya’s future, underscoring the importance of nurturing young talent.
Officials confirm that Vithya’s achievements are not isolated but symbolize a broader upward trajectory of Indian athletics fueled by enhanced sporting ecosystems.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective – championing sportsmanship and growth
Vithya Ramraj’s story embodies the transformational power of resilience, dreams, and community support in sport. It highlights how consistent encouragement, empathy, and structured backing can help athletes transcend limitations and rewrite history.
At The Logical Indian, we see in Vithya’s journey an affirmation of the values we hold dear-peace through positive competition, harmony in celebrating diverse talents, and kindness in uplifting emerging champions.
