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Key Points

At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships, Animesh Kujur impressed with a record-breaking performance in the 200m, securing a bronze medal. His heroic sprint against a tough field showcased his potential as a rising star in Indian athletics. Vithya Ramraj also maintained her top form, achieving bronze in the women's 400m hurdles. These achievements not only boosted India's medal tally to 19 but also highlighted the competitive spirit of Indian athletes on the continental stage.

Key Points: Animesh Kujur and Vithya Ramraj Shine with Bronze Medals

  • Animesh breaks national record with 20.32 seconds for bronze
  • Vithya wins 400m hurdles bronze maintaining consistent form
  • India adds bronze to 19-medal tally including 8 golds
  • Rival competition includes Japan’s Towa Uzawa and China’s Mo Jiadie
2 min read

Asian Athletics C'ships: Animesh smashes national record to clinch bronze, Vithya finishes third in women's 400m hurdles

Animesh Kujur breaks own record for bronze in 200m; Vithya Ramraj clinches 400m hurdles bronze at Asian Athletics.

"Kujur’s late surge underlined his status as India’s new 200m hope. - The Reporter"

Gumi, May 31

India’s medal tally at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships received a significant boost on Saturday as sprinter Animesh Kujur delivered a record-breaking performance in the men’s 200m final to clinch bronze while Vithya Ramraj added another bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles.

In a stunning show of speed and determination, 21-year-old Kujur clocked 20.32 seconds to break his own national record of 20.40, set earlier this year. Racing against a strong field, Kujur’s late surge in the final stretch ensured he secured third place behind Japan’s Towa Uzawa, who took gold with a time of 20.12 seconds, and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Abdu I Atafi, who claimed silver in 20.31 seconds.

This bronze medal marks a breakthrough moment in Kujur’s young career. His blistering run not only earned him a spot on the podium but also underlined his status as India’s new 200m sprint hope on the continental stage. With this medal, India’s overall tally at the championship rose to 19, including an impressive haul of eight golds.

On the women’s side, Asian Games medallist Vithya Ramraj continued her consistent form by claiming bronze in the 400m hurdles. The 26-year-old from Tamil Nadu clocked 56.46 seconds in a competitive race, where China’s Mo Jiadie edged out Bahrain’s Oluwakemi Adekoya by just one-hundredth of a second to win gold in 55.31 seconds. Adekoya settled for silver with 55.32.

India’s Anu Raghavan, who also featured in the women’s 400m hurdles final, finished seventh with a time of 57.46 seconds. In the women’s 200m final, Jyoti Yarraji, fresh off her gold in the 100m hurdles, took 23.47 seconds to finish fifth while Nithya Gandhe came in seventh with 23.90 seconds.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a performance by Animesh! Breaking his own national record at just 21 years old is incredible. 🚀 The future of Indian sprinting looks bright with talents like him. Hope he gets proper training and facilities to compete at world level soon!
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Priya M.
Vithya Ramraj is such a consistent performer! Bronze in Asian Championships after her Asian Games medal shows her class. But we need to analyze why our athletes often finish just behind China/Japan. Better sports science support could help bridge that gap.
A
Arjun S.
The difference between gold and bronze was just 0.20 seconds! So close yet so far. But kudos to Animesh for pushing his limits. With more international exposure, he can surely aim for gold next time. #ProudIndian
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Sunita R.
Happy to see athletes from smaller states getting recognition. Animesh from Odisha and Vithya from TN proving that talent exists across India. Hope more state governments invest in sports infrastructure like these states have done.
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Vikram J.
While celebrating these medals, we must ask why India isn't producing more world-class sprinters. Countries like China and Japan have systematic programs. Our athletes achieve despite the system, not because of it. Need long-term planning!
N
Neha P.
The women's 400m hurdles was so intense! Vithya did us proud 🇮🇳 These Asian Championships show our growing strength in athletics beyond just cricket. Hope media gives equal coverage to all sports heroes!

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