India's athletes continued their impressive showing at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, South Korea, with Gulveer Singh, Pooja, and Nandini Agasara all clinching gold medals on the fourth day of competition. This outstanding performance helped India maintain its second-place position in the medal tally, trailing only China.
Gulveer Singh secured his second gold medal of the championships in the men's 5000m final. He not only won the race but also set a new Championship Record with a time of 13:24.77, breaking the previous mark of 13:34.47 set in 2015. Gulveer's victory was hard-earned, as he had to surge through the field and deliver a powerful kick on the final lap to seal the win. Earlier in the competition, Gulveer had also won gold in the 10,000m event, demonstrating his dominance in long-distance running.
Pooja secured a historic victory in the women's high jump, becoming only the second Indian woman to win a gold medal in this event at the Asian Athletics Championships. She cleared a height of 1.89m, which was enough to secure the top spot on the podium. This achievement is particularly significant as it comes after Bobby Aloysius's gold medal win in 2000, making Pooja the second Indian woman to reach this milestone. At just 18 years old, Pooja's gold medal in Gumi is seen as a turning point for India's presence in women's high jump, inspiring a new generation of athletes and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the sport.
Nandini Agasara clinched a sensational gold medal in the heptathlon, showcasing her resilience and all-around athletic ability. Trailing China's Liu Jingyi by 54 points before the final event, Agasara clocked 2:15.54 in the 800m to leap ahead and secure victory with a total of 885 points. With this feat, she becomes only the third Indian woman to win a heptathlon gold at the Asian Championships, joining the ranks of Swapna Barman (2017) and Soma Biswas (2005). Agasara's dramatic comeback in the 800m highlighted her resilience and competitive spirit, solidifying her place in Indian athletic history.
In addition to the gold medals, Parul Chaudhary added a silver medal to India's tally with a National Record-breaking performance in the women's 3000m steeplechase. These outstanding performances demonstrate the depth and talent of India's athletes across various track and field events.
As the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 progresses, India is in a strong position to finish high in the medal standings. The athletes' dedication and hard work have been evident, and their success in Gumi serves as an inspiration for the entire nation. With more events to come, India will be aiming to add to its medal haul and continue its impressive performance at the continental stage.
