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Vithya Ramraj celebrates after breaking PT Usha’s 42-year-old 400m hurdles record (Img: X)
Nagoya: Indian athlete Vithya Ramraj scripted a historic moment in Indian athletics by breaking a 42-year-old national record held by legendary sprinter PT Usha. Ramraj clocked an impressive 54.75 seconds in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Asian Games 2026 to win a bronze medal and set a new benchmark for Indian women athletes.
The 28-year-old’s stunning performance ended one of the longest-standing records in Indian track and field history. PT Usha had set the national record with a timing of 55.42 seconds during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the mark remained untouched for more than four decades.
Ramraj had come close to breaking Usha’s record earlier. During the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she matched the legendary athlete’s timing of 55.42 seconds, becoming the first Indian woman to equal the record.
However, in Nagoya, Ramraj went a step further. Her timing of 54.75 seconds not only secured a medal but also made her the first Indian woman to complete the 400m hurdles race in under 55 seconds.
The new national record improved the previous mark by 0.67 seconds, marking a major milestone in Indian athletics.
Ramraj’s bronze medal added to her successful campaign at the continental championship. Earlier, she played a key role in India’s mixed 4x400m relay team that won a silver medal.
With two medals in Nagoya, Ramraj has continued her impressive run at the Asian Games. She had also won bronze in the 400m hurdles at the previous edition, making this her second consecutive Asian Games medal in the event.
For decades, PT Usha’s 55.42-second record stood as a symbol of excellence in Indian athletics. Known as the “Payyoli Express”, Usha inspired generations of athletes with her performances on the international stage.
Ramraj’s achievement marks a new chapter in the same event, where she first matched Usha’s record and later surpassed it with a record-breaking run.
The gold medal in the women’s 400m hurdles event was won by UAE athlete Mariam Kareem, who clocked 54.31 seconds and set a new Asian Games record.
Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems finished second with a timing of 54.58 seconds, while Vithya Ramraj secured bronze with her historic 54.75-second run.
India’s other finalist, Anu Raghavan, finished fifth with a timing of 55.88 seconds.
Vithya Ramraj’s record-breaking performance in Nagoya has placed her among India’s leading track athletes. After years of chasing a record that belonged to one of India’s greatest sporting icons, Ramraj finally created her own place in history.
The number that defined PT Usha’s era — 55.42 seconds — has now been replaced by Ramraj’s historic 54.75 seconds.
