In a breathtaking display of speed, coordination, and national spirit, the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team clinched gold at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, while breaking the long-standing Asian record with a stunning time of 3:25.86 minutes. This victory marks a resurgence of India’s prowess in track and field events and is being celebrated as one of the most electrifying moments of the tournament.
The team, composed of Priya Mohan, Aishwarya Mishra, Rupal Chaudhary, and Subha Venkatesan, stunned favorites Bahrain and Kazakhstan, who were forced to settle for silver and bronze respectively. The final leg sprint by Subha Venkatesan, who overtook the Bahraini runner in the last 100 meters, secured India’s top spot and sparked wild celebrations among the Indian contingent.
Race Breakdown: Speed and Strategy
The race began with a clean start from Priya Mohan, who gave India a solid opening leg and maintained pace with Bahrain’s Salwa Naser. Aishwarya Mishra, known for her powerful stride, pushed India ahead during the second leg. Rupal, the youngest member of the team, held her nerves under immense pressure and ensured the baton stayed in second position.
Subha Venkatesan, who had faced heartbreak in the 2023 World Championships, ran the final leg with fire in her stride. With 150 meters to go, she closed in on Bahrain’s runner and surged past in the final 30 meters to secure gold and the record.
From Training Camps to Glory
This achievement is a result of months of rigorous training at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala and altitude conditioning camps in Ooty. Under the guidance of chief coach Galina Bukharina, the athletes focused on strength, technique, and baton exchange precision—critical in relay success.
Speaking after the race, Galina said, “These girls believed in the system and trained like champions. This is just the beginning of their legacy.”
National Reactions and Media Spotlight
News of the gold spread like wildfire back home. Celebrations broke out in each of the athletes’ hometowns—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Meerut, and Trichy. Social media hashtags like #GoldenGirls, #RelayQueens, and #AsianChampions began trending within hours.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and Sports Authority announced special rewards for each athlete, and the Prime Minister congratulated them personally via video call. The team is also set to receive the Arjuna Award later this year.
Veteran sprinter PT Usha hailed the victory, saying, “These girls have made India proud. Our relay teams are now among the best in the world.”
Eyes on Paris 2028 and Beyond
This record-setting win has set the stage for even greater ambitions. The relay team now qualifies for the 2026 World Athletics Championships and aims to reach the final in Paris 2028. Plans are underway to give the relay team exclusive international exposure, including meets in Europe and the US.
Their success is expected to inspire a fresh wave of interest in athletics, especially among young girls across the country.
Conclusion
The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team’s victory is a beacon of hope and progress. With speed in their legs and fire in their hearts, they have sprinted their way into sporting history—and into the dreams of millions of aspiring athletes.