Vithya Ramraj wins Asian Games bronze, breaks PT Usha’s record
Vithya Ramraj clinches Asian Games 2026 bronze in 400m hurdles, shattering PT Usha's long-standing national record.
In a historic moment for Indian athletics, Vithya Ramraj secured a bronze medal in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Her performance was nothing short of legendary, as she not only climbed the podium but also shattered a national record that had remained untouched for over four decades.
Clocking a personal best of 54.75 seconds, Ramraj displayed incredible precision by clearing all ten hurdles to finish third in a highly competitive final. This feat marks a monumental shift in the Indian record books, as she surpassed the mark set by the icon of Indian sports, PT Usha.
Shattering a 42-Year-Old Legacy
For 42 years, the benchmark for Indian women in the 400m hurdles was the 55.42-second timing set by PT Usha during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. While Ramraj had managed to equal this mark in 2023, her performance on Monday in Japan saw her finally leapfrog the legendary record.
By finishing in 54.75 seconds, Ramraj has become the first Indian woman to officially break the long-standing 55.42-second barrier, cementing her place as the new national record holder in the event.
The Race Results and Standings
The final was a high-octane race featuring some of Asia's best hurdlers. The podium positions were occupied as follows:
- Gold: Mariam Kareem (UAE) – set a Games record with 54.31 seconds.
- Silver: Adelina Zems (Kazakhstan) – finished in 54.58 seconds.
- Bronze: Vithya Ramraj (India) – clocked 54.75 seconds.
India also saw a strong showing from Anu Raghavan, who finished fifth in the race after recording her own personal best of 55.88 seconds.
India’s Growing Medal Tally
Vithya Ramraj's bronze medal contributes to India's steadily increasing success at the 2026 Asian Games. With this latest addition, the Indian contingent's medal count has reached 40 medals.
The current breakdown of India's achievements includes:
- Gold: 4
- Silver: 17
- Bronze: 19
As the games progress, India currently holds the 12th position in the overall medal standings, fueled by standout performances in athletics and beyond.