The 26th edition of the Asian Athletics Championships, held in Gumi, Republic of Korea, from 27 to 31 May 2025, proved to be a successful outing for India. With a strong contingent of over 60 athletes participating across 30 medal events, India displayed commendable depth and talent, finishing second in the overall medal tally – an impressive feat that highlights the country’s growing prominence in Asian athletics.
India concluded the five-day event with a total of 24 medals, including eight gold, ten silver, and six bronze. Only China surpassed India in the final standings, but the Indian contingent’s performance demonstrated remarkable progress and consistency on the continental stage.
Among the standout performers was Gulveer Singh, who clinched two gold medals in the men’s 10,000 metres and 5,000 metres. His dominance in the long-distance events was a major highlight of India’s campaign. Avinash Sable added another chapter to the history books by becoming the first Indian male in 36 years to win gold in the 3,000 metres steeplechase at the Asian Championships, reaffirming his stature as a world-class athlete.
Jyothi Yarraji successfully defended her title in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, winning gold and reinforcing her position as one of Asia’s top hurdlers. Another significant triumph came in the mixed 4×400 metres relay, where India retained its title. Subha Venkatesan, the only returning member from the victorious 2023 Bangkok squad, teamed up with Rupal Chaudhary, Santosh Kumar, and Vishal TK to secure the gold medal.
India’s prowess in relay events was further confirmed by the women’s 4×400 metres team, which included both Subha and Rupal Chaudhary, as they crossed the finish line first to win gold.
The Championships also saw several silver medal performances. Rupal Chaudhary led the way on the women’s side, becoming the first Indian woman to finish on the podium at Gumi with a silver in the 400 metres. Her performance laid the foundation for what would be a strong overall campaign, and she later added to her medal tally with golds in the relays. Parul Chaudhary also earned a silver medal in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase and, in doing so, set a new national record. Her performance stood out as a blend of endurance and precision. The ten silver medals reflected India’s competitiveness across various track and field disciplines.
India’s campaign began on a positive note with Servin Sebastian securing a bronze medal in the men’s 20-kilometre race walk on the opening day. His effort gave India an early boost and set the tone for the rest of the championships. The bronze tally eventually stood at six, with several other athletes stepping up and delivering crucial podium finishes.
Noteworthy individual performances also included two national records. Animesh Kujur set a new national record in the men’s 200 metres, showcasing India’s emerging talent in sprint events. Parul Chaudhary’s record-breaking effort in the women’s steeplechase further illustrated the significant strides Indian athletes are making on the Asian stage.
The Asian Athletics Championships 2025 witnessed participation from over 2,000 athletes across the continent. Indian athletes competed in 15 men’s events, 14 women’s events, and one mixed team event, demonstrating a balanced representation across disciplines.
India’s second-place finish, ahead of traditional competitors such as Japan and Kazakhstan, signifies a crucial milestone. The performances in Gumi serve as a strong foundation for the upcoming World Championships and the 2026 Asian Games.
The Asian Athletics Championships 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Indian athletics. With a blend of established stars and emerging talent making their mark, the future appears promising. Indian athletes are not only competing but are beginning to dominate, and they are doing so with determination, discipline, and pride.
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