Our Bureau
Nagoya
India’s women’s 4x400m relay team clinched the country’s first athletics gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, delivering a strong performance at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The quartet of Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj clocked 3:29.69 minutes to finish ahead of Bahrain and China.
Bahrain secured the silver medal with a time of 3:30.21, while China took bronze after finishing in 3:31.02. India’s victory also marked the country’s second gold medal of the day, adding to its medal tally at the continental multi-sport event.
The result was particularly significant for Indian athletics as the women’s relay squad converted a strong team effort into gold on the track. The runners maintained their pace through the four legs before holding off a late challenge from Bahrain to secure the top position.
The gold comes after Poovamma Machettira and Vithya Ramraj had already contributed to India’s performance in the mixed 4x400m relay. On September 25, the duo, alongside Manu TS and Vishal TK, won silver in the event. The Prime Minister’s Office had congratulated the quartet for their performance, highlighting their speed, coordination and determination.
India’s latest triumph adds another major achievement to its athletics campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The women’s 4x400m relay team’s victory provides India with a gold medal in one of the competition’s premier track events and underlines the importance of teamwork and consistency in relay racing.