“Feels good to bring medal for my country”: Parul Chaudhary
Parul Chaudhary clinches bronze in the 5000m at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, securing her second medal in three days.
Indian track and field sensation Parul Chaudhary has once again proven her mettle on the continental stage, securing her second bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In a display of sheer grit and endurance, Chaudhary finished third in a high-octane women's 5000m final on Monday, marking a remarkable feat of consistency in a grueling competition.
A Thrilling Battle on the Track
The women's 5000m race was a testament to the intense level of competition in the region. Chaudhary clocked a time of 15:14.61, fighting fiercely until the final strides to claim her spot on the podium. She finished just 1.46 seconds behind Japan's Nozomi Tanaka, who secured the silver medal with a time of 15:11.65. The gold medal was claimed by Bahrain's Winfred Yavi, who dominated the race with a time of 15:10.18.
This bronze medal follows closely on the heels of her incredible performance in the 3000m steeplechase just a day earlier. In that event, she clocked 9:08.67 to earn bronze and, more importantly, set a new national record.
Parul's Incredible Three-Day Streak
Chaudhary's performance in Aichi-Nagoya has been nothing short of relentless. Over three consecutive days of high-stakes finals, she has showcased extraordinary stamina:
- September 26: Finished 4th in the women's 1500m with a time of 4:09.46.
- September 27: Secured bronze in the 3000m steeplechase (National Record).
- September 28: Clinched bronze in the 5000m.
Reflecting on the Glory
Speaking to the media after her victory, an emotional Chaudhary expressed her satisfaction with her ability to perform under pressure. While she noted a change in the "color" of her medals compared to her previous outings, her pride in representing India remained paramount.
"It feels really good. Last time in Hangzhou, I also took two medals, but this time the colour has changed; last time the colour was something else. Otherwise, I am happy with this performance because I knew the competition was very tough this time. I just want to go home and spend time with my family, and since I am bringing a medal for my countrymen, it feels really good," she said.
For Chaudhary, the journey to the podium is a significant milestone. At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, she had previously secured gold in the 5000m and silver in the 3000m steeplechase.
India's Rising Tally at Asian Games 2026
Parul's latest achievement contributes significantly to India's growing momentum at the games. As it stands, India's total medal count has climbed to 42 medals, consisting of:
- 4 Gold
- 18 Silver
- 20 Bronze
India currently holds the 12th position in the overall medal standings, with the athletics contingent playing a massive role, accounting for 16 of the nation's total medals so far.