Did Sachin Yadav and Animesh Kujur Shine at the Asian Athletics Championships?
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Synopsis
On the final day of the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, Sachin Yadav achieved a personal best as he claimed silver in javelin, while Animesh Kujur sprinted to bronze in the 200m. With 24 total medals, India finished strong in second place, showcasing an impressive performance against formidable competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Sachin Yadav achieved a personal best of 85.16m in javelin.
- Animesh Kujur set a new national record of 20.32 seconds in the 200m.
- India finished the championships with 24 medals.
- China topped the medal tally with 26 medals.
- Future competitions include the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.
Gumi (South Korea), May 31 (NationPress) In his inaugural international competition, javelin thrower Sachin Yadav set a personal record while sprinter Animesh Kujur clinched a bronze medal as Indian athletes showcased their prowess on the final day of the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in the South Korean city of Gumi.
Their remarkable performances elevated India's total medal count to 24, securing a second-place finish in the overall standings, just behind China.
India's medal haul included eight gold, ten silver, and six bronze medals. China led the table with 26 medals, comprising 15 gold, eight silver, and three bronze. Japan followed closely with 24 medals, four of which were gold.
On the final day, all eyes were on the men's javelin throw. Making his international debut, Sachin Yadav recorded a personal and seasonal best of 85.16m to earn the silver medal, finishing behind Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem (86.40m).
Regarding his near-miss of the automatic qualification mark of 85.50m for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships set for September 13-21, Yadav remarked that the Asian Championships served as an invaluable learning opportunity. He plans to devise strategies for his upcoming competitions. “I missed crucial training sessions due to ankle and shoulder issues that affected my preparation for the Asian meet,” he said. “I aim to recover lost ground in the coming weeks to secure my ticket to the Worlds.”
Yadav emphasized his focus on performing at his best during competitions, stating, “I concentrate on my own performance and don’t compare myself to other athletes.” Earlier this year, he won gold at the Uttarakhand National Games with a throw of 84.39m.
The final day also witnessed Animesh Kujur achieving success in the men's 200m. A false start by a Chinese sprinter did not deter his strategy as he secured a medal in the event.
Along the way to his bronze medal, Kujur clocked 20.32 seconds, improving his own national record of 20.40 seconds established at a domestic meet in Kochi in April. “The start wasn’t optimal, but my curve running helped me secure a medal at the Asian meet,” Kujur stated in his post-race comments.
The Indian team, comprising Srabani Nanda, SS Sneha, Abhinaya Rajarajan, and Nithya Gandhe, clocked 43.86 seconds to win silver in the women’s 4x100m relay. China took home gold while Thailand secured bronze.
Distance runner Parul Chaudhary contributed another silver to her collection on Saturday, adding a 5000m silver to her earlier silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
Middle-distance athlete Pooja also earned an 800m bronze, having previously claimed a silver in the 1500m. Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 56.46 seconds. However, Jyothi Yarraji and Nithya Gandhe were unable to secure medals in the women’s 200m.
Results (Day 5):
Men: 200m: Towa Uzawa (Japan) 20.12 seconds, Abdulaziz Abdu A (Saudi Arabia) 20.31 seconds, Animesh Kujur (India) 20.32 seconds.
800m: Ebrahim Alzofairi (Kuwait) 1:44.59, Ali Amirian (Iran) 1:44.97, Abubaker H Abdalla (Qatar) 1:45.20, Krishan Kumar (India 7th) 1:48.72, Anu Kumar (India 8th) 1:58.04.
Javelin throw: Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) 86.40m, Sachin Yadav (India) 85.16m, Yuta Sakiyama (Japan) 83.75m, Yashvir Singh (India 5th 82.57m.
Women:
200m: Chen Yujie (China) 22.97 seconds, Veronica Shanti Pereira (Singapore) 22.98 seconds, Li Yuting (China) 23.23 seconds, Jyothi Yarraji (India 5th) 23.47 seconds, Nithya Gandhe (India 7th) 23.90 seconds.
800m: Wu Hongjiao (China) 2:00.08, Rin Kubo (Japan) 2:00.42, Pooja (India) 2:01.89, Twinkle Chaudhary (India 4th) 2:03.33.
5,000m: Norah Jeruto Tanui (Kazakhstan) 14:58.71, Parul Chaudhary (India) 15:15.33, Yuma Yamamoto (Japan) 15:16.86, Sanjivani Jadhav (India 5th) 15:36.40.
400m hurdles: Mo Jiadie (China) 55.31 seconds, Oluwakemi Mujidat Adekoya 55.32 seconds, Vithya Ramraj (India) 56.46 seconds, Anu R (India 7th) 57.46 seconds.
4x100m relay: China 43.28 seconds, India (Srabani Nanda, SS Sneha, Abhinaya Rajarajan, Nithya Gandhe) 43.86 seconds, Thailand 44.26 seconds.
Point of View
It is evident that the Indian athletics team has made significant strides on an international platform. The achievements of Sachin Yadav and Animesh Kujur not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the growing strength of Indian athletics. Our nation stands proud, and we look forward to their continued success in future competitions.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medals did India win at the Asian Athletics Championships?
India secured a total of 24 medals, including 8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze.
Who won silver in javelin at the championships?
Sachin Yadav won the silver medal in javelin with a personal best throw of 85.16m.
What was Animesh Kujur's achievement?
Animesh Kujur won a bronze medal in the men's 200m, setting a new national record.
What position did India finish in the overall standings?
India finished in second place overall, behind China.
What are the future competitions for these athletes?
Sachin Yadav aims to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo scheduled for September.
