India successfully defended its gold medal in the 4x400m mixed relay at the ongoing Asian Athletics Championship in South Korea on Wednesday. The quartet of Rupal Choudhary, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan, Vishal TK, and Subha Venkatesan clocked a winning time of 3:18.12 to retain the top spot on the podium.
This also marked India`s third medal in the Asian Championships. Previously, the side won a silver medal in 2019, followed by a gold medal in the 2023 edition.
Santhosh got India off to a strong start in the relay, holding his own against a fierce challenge from China before handing the baton to Rupal. Rupal regained the lead with a determined sprint and passed it on to Vishal. Subha then brought it home in style, sealing the victory.
China secured the silver medal with a time of 3:20.52, while Sri Lanka claimed bronze, finishing in 3:21.95.
So far, in the ongoing Asian Athletics Championship, India has also bagged gold in the men`s 10,000 m race. Gulveer Singh clocked 28 minutes 38.63 seconds to win the gold. He produced a well-calculated display as he timed his assault on race leader, Bahrain’s Albert Kibichi, to perfection in the last lap. The 26-year-old Indian had enough energy in him to sprint for the last 100 m stretch to clinch the victory.
Earlier, Rupal (400m) and Pooja (1500m) picked up silver medals, and Yoonus Shah fetched a bronze in men`s 1500m. The mixed gold was India`s second top finish after national record-holder Gulveer Singh`s (10,000m) brilliance on Tuesday.
Quarter-miler Rupal opened India`s account for the day, clocking 52.68 seconds to finish second in the women`s 400m final. Fellow Indian Vithya Ramraj was placed fifth with a time of 53.00 seconds.
Long jumpers Shaili Singh and Ancy Sojan qualified for the final of the women`s long jump event. Shaili had a best effort of 6.17m, the third best in the 20-woman field. Ancy 6.14m sealed her place in the final.
Hurdler Jyoti Yarraji qualified for the next round after finishing with a time of 13.18 seconds in her heat. She crossed the line in third position.
(With PTI Inputs)
