Vithya Ramraj Shatters National Record with Bronze at Asian Games 2026

Historic Achievement at the Asian Games

In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Southern Railways' Chief Athletics Coach Nizamudeen praised Vithya Ramraj for her remarkable bronze medal win at the Asian Games 2026. He expressed optimism that she would secure a gold medal in the women's 4x400m relay event scheduled for today, September 29.

Ramraj made headlines on Monday by breaking PT Usha's long-standing national record in the women's 400m hurdles. She had previously matched this record during the semifinals at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou.

During the final race in Nagoya, the track conditions were challenging due to rain and moisture. Nevertheless, Ramraj successfully navigated all ten hurdles, finishing third behind UAE's Mariam Kareem, who set a Games record with a time of 54.31 seconds, and Kazakhstan's Adelina Zems, who took silver with a time of 54.58 seconds.

Ramraj achieved a personal best of 54.75 seconds, earning her the bronze and surpassing Usha's previous national record of 55.42 seconds, which had stood since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Nizamudeen remarked, "Vithya Ramraj has secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games, establishing a new national record with a time of 54.75 seconds, breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old record from 1984."

The coach expressed confidence in Ramraj and the Indian women's 4x400m relay team, hoping they would clinch gold in the upcoming event. He stated, "Tomorrow, she will compete in the 4x400 women's relay. I believe the team can also achieve a gold medal. She has one silver and one bronze, and I hope she will add a gold to her collection."

Ramraj is now focused on the women's 4x400m relay, where she has another chance to enhance her medal tally at the Asian Games.