The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team—Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, Rajitha Kunja, and Subha Venkatesan—secured a historic gold medal at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, clocking a season-best 3:34.18 seconds.
The win ended a 12-year gold drought for India in this event, with Vietnam and Sri Lanka taking silver and bronze. Their victory, which has been widely celebrated by officials and fans, propelled India to second place in the overall medal tally and highlighted the remarkable journeys of these four athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Golden Quartet: Stories of Grit and Aspiration
Each member of India’s relay team exemplifies perseverance, talent, and the power of grassroots sports development.
- Jisna Mathew hails from Kerala’s Wayanad district, a region known for producing athletic talent despite limited resources. Jisna rose to prominence as a teenager, clinching medals at the Asian Junior Championships and representing India at the Rio 2016 Olympics as one of the country’s youngest track athletes. Her consistency and calm under pressure have made her a mainstay in India’s 400m squads, and she has previously won medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships.
- Rupal Chaudhary, from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s brightest young stars. She made headlines in 2022 by becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the World U20 Athletics Championships. Rupal’s journey has been marked by overcoming financial hardships, with her family supporting her training through sheer determination. Her rapid rise is a testament to the potential of India’s next generation of athletes.
- Rajitha Kunja represents Telangana and is a classic example of talent emerging from India’s expanding athletics ecosystem. Rajitha’s journey began at local meets, and she has steadily climbed the ranks with strong performances at the national level, particularly at the Federation Cup and National Inter-State Championships. Her selection to the relay squad reflects her dedication and the growing support for athletics in southern India.
- Subha Venkatesan, from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is known for her explosive speed and reliability as an anchor. Raised in a modest household, Subha’s journey to the international stage was fuelled by her parents’ sacrifices and her own relentless work ethic. She was part of India’s mixed relay team at the Tokyo Olympics and has consistently delivered strong finishes in high-pressure situations, making her a key asset in relay events.
Historic Resurgence and a Day of Triumph
India’s gold in the women’s 4x400m relay marks its tenth overall in the event at the Asian Championships, but the first since 2013. This victory is not just a return to continental dominance but also a reflection of India’s renewed focus on athletics development.
The relay win capped a golden day for Indian athletics, which also saw Jyothi Yarraji break the championship record in the 100m hurdles and Avinash Sable win gold in the 3000m steeplechase after a 36-year wait. The relay team’s performance, especially under the pressure of a thunderstorm-induced delay, showcased their mental resilience and the effectiveness of India’s new training methodologies and support systems.
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Adille Sumariwalla congratulated the team, stating, “This is a proud moment for Indian athletics. The girls have shown that with hard work and the right support, we can compete with the best in Asia. Their journey will inspire many more to take up the sport.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The story of Jisna, Rupal, Rajitha, and Subha is a powerful reminder that sporting excellence can emerge from any corner of India when talent meets opportunity. Their journeys from small towns and challenging circumstances to the top of the Asian podium inspire millions, especially young girls dreaming of breaking barriers.
This victory is not just about medals—it’s about hope, unity, and the promise of a more inclusive sporting future. As we celebrate their success, how can we, as a society, further nurture grassroots sports, break down barriers to entry, and create a level playing field for all aspiring athletes?
