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The Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, witnessed a stellar performance by the Indian contingent, who secured six medals, including three golds, on the third day of the competition. The day was marked by outstanding individual and team performances, overcoming challenges such as inclement weather and personal struggles. Jyothi Yarraji, despite battling injuries and adjusting her running technique, successfully defended her 100m hurdles title with a championship record of 12.96 seconds. While this time was short of her target for automatic World Championships qualification (12.73s), it was her best performance of the season and her first sub-13 second run. This victory showcased her resilience and determination, solidifying her position as a leading athlete in the event. Her win was especially notable considering her recent form and the pressure of defending her title against strong competition, including Asian Games bronze medalist Yumi Tanaka of Japan and China’s Wu Yanni. The challenging conditions, with torrential rains and thunderstorms delaying the evening session for the second consecutive day, added to the athletes' mental fortitude. Despite the adverse weather, the Indian team remained focused and determined, exhibiting true sportsmanship and a commitment to excellence.
Avinash Sable, another medal hope for India, lived up to expectations by winning the 3000m steeplechase, upgrading his bronze from the 2023 edition. Sable clocked a season's best of 8:20.92, finishing comfortably ahead of Japan’s Yutaro Niinae, who had led for a significant portion of the race. Sable's victory marked his third international outing this year after competing in the Diamond Leagues, showcasing his consistent performance on the global stage. His win was particularly significant as he became the third Indian to win multiple medals in the event and secured the first gold in 36 years, following Deena Ram's triumph in 1989. This historical achievement underscores Sable's dedication and hard work, solidifying his legacy as one of India's premier distance runners. The 3000m steeplechase is a physically demanding event, requiring not only speed and endurance but also the ability to negotiate barriers and water jumps. Sable's victory demonstrated his mastery of these elements, highlighting his technical skill and strategic racing ability. The challenging weather conditions further tested the athletes' resilience, making Sable's win all the more impressive.
The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team added to the gold rush, delivering a scintillating performance to secure the country's fifth gold medal in the competition. The quartet of Rupal, Subha Venkatesan, Jisna Mathew, and Kunja Rajitha displayed exceptional teamwork and determination, coming from behind to outrun Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Their winning time of 3:34.18 reflected their collective strength and strategic execution. Subha Venkatesan, in particular, played a crucial role as the anchor runner, replicating her performance from the previous day. From the third position at the final bend, she unleashed powerful strides on the final straight, securing the gold medal for India. This victory not only added to India's medal tally but also showcased the depth and talent of the country's women's relay team. The relay event is a true test of teamwork, requiring seamless baton exchanges and coordinated running. The Indian team's success in this event highlighted their ability to work together effectively, demonstrating their commitment to each other and their shared goal of victory.
While the men’s 4x400m relay team had to settle for silver, their performance was commendable nonetheless. The team, consisting of Jay Kumar, Dharamveer Choudhary, T.S. Manu, and T.K. Vishal, clocked 3:03.67. Despite a slow start from Jay Kumar, Dharamveer Choudhary and T.S. Manu worked hard to increase the pace. T.K. Vishal's tremendous effort on the final lap pushed China to third place, securing the silver medal for India. Although they narrowly missed out on gold, their performance demonstrated their competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure. Relay races are often unpredictable, with the outcome hinging on factors such as baton exchanges and individual performances on each leg. The Indian men's team showcased their resilience and determination, fighting hard until the very end. This silver medal added to India's overall medal haul and highlighted the strength of the country's relay program.
In the long jump event, Ancy Sojan and Shaili Singh secured silver and bronze medals, respectively. Ancy Sojan achieved a best jump of 6.33m, while Shaili Singh recorded 6.30m. They finished behind Iran’s Mobini Arani Rehaneh, who won gold with a jump of 6.40m. This performance added to India's medal tally and showcased the country's strength in field events. The long jump is a technically demanding event, requiring a combination of speed, power, and precision. Ancy Sojan and Shaili Singh demonstrated their mastery of these elements, securing well-deserved medals for India. Their performance also highlighted the growing talent pool in Indian athletics, with young athletes consistently achieving success on the international stage.
Earlier in the day, Sanjivani Jadhav clocked a season’s best of 33:08.17 to finish fifth in the rescheduled 10,000m race, while Seema was placed sixth in 33:08.23. Agasara Nandini was leading in the heptathlon with 3610 points in four events at the end of the opening day. Samardeep Singh Gill, however, could only manage a best throw of 19.25m to finish sixth in shot put, while Tajinderpal Singh Toor was excluded from the squad due to poor form. Sarvesh Kushare placed fifth in high jump with a best of 2.19m. Seema finished fourth in discus throw with 56.15m. These performances, while not resulting in medals, demonstrated the depth of Indian talent across various athletic disciplines. The athletes' dedication and hard work were evident, and their participation contributed to India's overall strong showing at the championships. The variety of events in which Indian athletes competed and excelled highlighted the country's growing strength in athletics.
The Asian Athletics Championships proved to be a resounding success for the Indian contingent, with athletes delivering outstanding performances across various disciplines. The gold medals won by Jyothi Yarraji, Avinash Sable, and the women’s 4x400m relay team were the highlights of the day, showcasing the talent and dedication of Indian athletes. The silver medals secured by the men’s 4x400m relay team, Ancy Sojan, and Shaili Singh further added to India's medal tally, demonstrating the country's growing strength in athletics. The challenging weather conditions and the pressure of competition did not deter the Indian team, who remained focused and determined throughout the championships. Their success is a testament to their hard work, training, and the support they receive from their coaches and support staff. The Asian Athletics Championships provided a platform for Indian athletes to showcase their talent on the international stage and to inspire future generations of athletes. The achievements of the Indian contingent will undoubtedly motivate young athletes across the country to pursue their dreams and to strive for excellence in their chosen sports. The success at Gumi serves as a positive sign for Indian athletics as they prepare for future international competitions, including the upcoming World Championships and Olympic Games. The momentum gained at the Asian Athletics Championships will be crucial as Indian athletes continue to push their limits and aim for even greater achievements in the years to come. The victories and personal bests achieved in Gumi demonstrate the potential of Indian athletics and the bright future that lies ahead.
Source: Asian Championships | Jyothi, Sable and women’s 4x400m quartet make it a golden day for India