India’s contingent at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya enjoyed a productive fifth day of competition, securing a series of podium finishes that drew high praise from the nation's leadership. Among the highlights was a significant breakthrough in long-distance running, alongside success in shooting, badminton, and relay events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the tributes, acknowledging the discipline and hard work displayed by the athletes. The performances underscored a strong showing for India on the continental stage, with several competitors achieving milestones that had eluded the country for years.
Seema Ends 16-Year Wait in 10,000m
The standout individual performance came from distance runner Seema, who clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 10,000m race at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Clocking a time of 32:50.05, she finished behind gold medalist Winfred Yavi of Bahrain and silver medalist Nozomi Tanaka of Japan. This result marked the first time an Indian woman has stood on the Asian Games podium in this event since 2010.
Seema’s race was defined by tactical endurance. She set the pace early, leading the field through the first 2,000m, before settling into a rhythm that allowed her to reclaim third place in the final 1,000m. President Murmu lauded the achievement as a memorable milestone, while the Prime Minister noted that her performance reflected years of dedicated training.
Shooting and Team Successes
The shooting range also provided a historic moment for India as the mixed skeet team of
In other team sports, the Indian men’s badminton squad earned a bronze medal for their collective efforts throughout the tournament. Additionally, the mixed 4x400m relay team, consisting of M.R. Poovamma, Vithya Ramraj, Manu T.S., and Vishal T.K., added a silver medal to India’s tally. President Murmu specifically highlighted the relay team's commendable cooperation, noting that their success serves as a proud addition to India's ongoing athletics journey at the 2026 Games.
