Indian athlete
The previous benchmark of 55.42 seconds was established by the legendary PT Usha during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. By crossing the finish line in 54.75 seconds, Ramraj officially became the fastest Indian woman in the event's history, surpassing the mark she had previously equalled in 2023.
A New Chapter in Indian Athletics
The final was a high-quality affair, with the gold medal going to Mariam Kareem of the UAE, who set a new Games record with a time of 54.31 seconds. Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems claimed the silver medal, finishing in 54.58 seconds. Ramraj’s ability to navigate all 10 hurdles with precision allowed her to secure the third spot in a highly competitive field.
The success of the TOPS Development athlete was further complemented by the performance of fellow Indian competitor Anu Raghavan. Raghavan also produced a strong showing, finishing in fifth place with a personal best time of 55.88 seconds.
Impact on India's Medal Standings
This achievement adds to India’s growing momentum at the 2026 Asian Games, bringing the nation's total medal count to 40. The current tally consists of four gold, 17 silver, and 19 bronze medals, placing India 12th in the overall standings. According to the Athletics Federation of India, the performance marks a significant milestone for the country, as Ramraj becomes the first Indian to officially move past the 55.42-second barrier in the 400m hurdles.
