Asian Games: Vithya Ramraj wins bronze in 400m Hurdles; breaks PT Usha's 42-year-old national record

Vithya Ramraj has won bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Monday. The Indian athlete clocked a stunning 54.75 seconds, setting a new national record.

The Tamil Nadu hurdler smashed the previous mark of 55.42 seconds, which had stood since 1984 when it was set by legendary athlete PT Usha at the Los Angeles Olympics. Ramraj had equalled that time at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Her latest run improved the record by a substantial 0.67 seconds.

Asian Games: Vithya Ramraj wins bronze in 400m Hurdles; breaks PT Usha's 42-year-old national record

Ramraj, who earlier helped India secure silver in the mixed 4x400m relay with a strong anchor leg, produced a career-best performance under pressure in Nagoya. The result adds another medal to India’s athletics tally at the Games and marks a historic milestone for Indian women’s hurdles.

Compatriot Anu Raghavan finished fifth in the final with a personal best of 55.88 seconds. Meanwhile, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan has reached the 400m hurdles final in the men’s category. Additionally, Avinash Sable has reached the 3000, steeplechase final, and Yoonus Shah and Guklveer Singh have reached the 1500m final. Parul Chaudhary has also reached the 5000, final in the women’s category. India has added 11 medals in athletics on Monday so far. 

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