How Did India Excel at the South Asian Athletics Championships with 18 Medals on Day 2?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India dominated the South Asian Athletics Championships with a remarkable medal haul.
- Highlight performances included gold medals in various track and field events.
- Sri Lanka remains a strong competitor in the championships.
- Grassroots support for athletics is evident in India’s success.
- Individual athletes are gaining recognition on an international level.
Ranchi (Jharkhand), Oct 26 (NationPress) India showcased its athletic prowess by securing 18 medals during the South Asian Athletics Championships 2025 at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi. The host nation achieved a remarkable haul of seven gold, eight silver, and three bronze on Saturday, elevating their cumulative medal count to 32.
Sri Lanka maintained a strong presence with eight gold and a total of 23 medals, while Nepal trailed behind with only three bronze to their name in the ongoing championship.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, India's Nandhini K clocked 13.56 seconds to clinch gold, followed closely by compatriot Moumita Mondal with silver and Sri Lanka's Wijewera Vitha taking bronze.
Manav R of India achieved gold in the men’s 110m hurdles with a time of 13.78 seconds, while Sri Lanka’s Ranatungage Roshan secured silver and India’s Krishik M took home bronze. India's Sanjana Singh continued her golden streak by winning her second gold in the women’s 1500m final with a time of 4:25.36 seconds. Sri Lanka's W.K.L. Arachch Nimali finished second, while India’s Kajal Kanwade earned bronze.
In the men’s 1500m final, Arjun Waskale of India captured gold with a time of 3:54.58 seconds, ahead of Sri Lankans Gallage Rusiru Chath and Rojideen Mohamathu. Neeru Pathak also clinched gold in the women’s 400m with a time of 53.15 seconds, while compatriot Olimba Steffi took silver and Sri Lanka's Mendis Balapuwa Sayu secured bronze.
The women’s discus throw saw India dominate as Seema claimed gold with a throw of 55.14m, followed by Nidhi with silver and Asgiriye Gedara Vinod from Sri Lanka taking bronze. Kirpal Singh of India continued the winning momentum in the men’s discus throw with a top throw of 56.22m, followed by compatriot Nirbhay Singh and W.D.M. Milant Sampat from Sri Lanka.
The men’s high jump title went to A. Samaraweera of Sri Lanka with a height of 2.17m, while India’s Rohit (2.15m) and Aadarsh Ram (2.09m) secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Earlier on Friday, India enjoyed another successful day with multiple medals across various events.
India's gold medallists included: Samardeep Gill in Men’s Shot Put (19.59m), Prince Kumar in Men’s 5000m (14:22.17), Sanjana Singh in Women’s 5000m (15:38.70), Yogita in Women’s Shot Put (15.85m), and Team India in the Mixed 4x400m Relay (3:20.13).
Silver medals were earned by Pranav Gurav in Men’s 100m (10.32s), Seema in Women’s 5000m (15:40.55), Ravi Kumar in Men’s Shot Put (17.95m), Shiksha in Women’s Shot Put (15.83m), Poorva Sawant in Women’s Triple Jump (13.03m), and Dinesh V in Men’s Triple Jump (16.14m).
Bronze medals were claimed by Harsh Raut in Men’s 100m (10.42s), Sudeshna Shivankar in Women’s 100m (11.78s), and Sebastian V S in Men’s Triple Jump (15.88m) on Friday.