Sawan Barwal Makes History with Silver Medal at Asian Games 2026
Historic Achievement for Indian Marathon Runner
In a remarkable feat, Indian marathon athlete Sawan Barwal secured a silver medal in the men's marathon at the Asian Games 2026, marking India's first podium finish in this event in 44 years.
Barwal completed the race with a personal best time of 2:11:37, setting a new national record. He finished just behind Japan's Yamashita, who clinched the gold medal after a strong finish.
Throughout the race, Barwal demonstrated exceptional endurance, maintaining a position among the leaders after the 10km mark. He took the lead at the 21km point and kept pace with the frontrunners as the competition intensified.
SILVER! SAWAN BARWAL MAKES HISTORY!
Men’s marathon #AsianGames2026
2:11:37, a PERSONAL BEST and a NEW NATIONAL RECORD
India’s first Asian Games marathon medal in 44 years
He led from 10 km to 35 km and held on for silver behind Japan’s Yamashita over the last… pic.twitter.com/ZdqmV6blPf
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) September 26, 2026
Barwal maintained his strong position between the 30km and 35km marks, alongside Yamashita and China's Han, who formed the leading trio.
At the 36km point, Yamashita managed to create a gap of 20-30 meters over the chasing pack, while Barwal continued to impress, securing his silver medal until the end.
This silver medal is a significant milestone for India, being the first in the marathon event at the Asian Games in over four decades, adding to the country's athletics achievements in Aichi-Nagoya.
Kartik Karkera, another Indian competitor, also participated in the men's marathon final but fell behind after a strong start.
As of now, India has amassed a total of 24 medals at the Asian Games, including two gold, ten silver, and twelve bronze, with a notable ten medals coming from shooting.
Looking ahead, India's men's and women's kabaddi teams are set to compete for gold medals, while two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will kick off her singles campaign in badminton during the key events at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday.
Both kabaddi teams will face Iran in their respective gold medal matches at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, with the women's final scheduled for the morning and the men's clash in the afternoon, as reported by Olympics.com.
The Indian men's kabaddi team aims for their ninth Asian Games gold, while the women's team seeks their fourth title. In badminton, PV Sindhu will lead India's challenge following the unexpected exit of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men's doubles.