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Vithya Ramaraj’s Stunning Final Sprint Helps India Win Mixed 4x400m Relay Silver at Asian Games 2026 (Images: X)
Nagoya-Aichi (Japan): India delivered another memorable performance at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya-Aichi, winning the silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay after a dramatic fightback in the final stages of the race. The Indian quartet of Poovamma Raju, Vishal Thennarasu, Vithya Ramaraj and Manu TS clocked 3:14.46 to finish second on the podium. The result also helped India successfully defend the silver medal won in the same event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Bahrain claimed the gold medal with a Games record timing of 3:12.87, while India secured silver with 3:14.46. Vietnam completed the podium after finishing third with a timing of 3:14.54.
The Indian team showed tremendous composure under pressure, especially during the final two legs to secure a medal in a closely fought contest.
India faced early challenges during the relay as Vishal Thennarasu began the race cautiously before handing over the baton to Poovamma Raju. Poovamma’s initial phase also saw India struggling to stay among the leading teams. However, she produced a powerful final stretch in her leg, bringing India back into medal contention and handing over the baton to Manu TS in third place. Manu maintained the momentum before Vithya Ramaraj took charge for the final leg.
With the medal positions still undecided, Vithya Ramaraj produced a stunning anchor run to move India from third position to second place. The 28-year-old athlete displayed remarkable confidence in the final stretch, overtaking Vietnam and securing India’s silver medal finish.
Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser delivered a strong final leg to create a decisive lead and help her team take the gold medal.
The mixed 4x400m relay silver came shortly after Seema Kumari won bronze in the women’s 10,000m event. Two medals within a span of around 20 minutes marked a special moment for India’s athletics campaign at the Asian Games 2026.
The performances highlighted the strength and determination of India’s track and field athletes competing in Nagoya.
