Ordos (China), 10 July (H.S.): India made an impressive start to the 2026 Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships, securing five medals on the opening day of competition on Thursday, including one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. The country's lone gold medal came in the mixed 4x400m relay event.

The Indian quartet of Aastik Pradhan, Sandra Mol Sabu, Sethu Mishra and Shravani Sachin Sangle clinched the gold medal after clocking 3:18.64, capping off a memorable opening day for the Indian contingent in the final event of the day.

India's medal tally began with Bharatpreet Singh, who claimed the bronze medal in the men's discus throw with a best effort of 52.91 metres. China's Li Zhixin won the gold medal with a throw of 60.79 metres, while compatriot Jiang Zehao secured the silver with 59.60 metres.

India added two more medals in the men's 5,000m race. Shivaji Parashuram Madappagauda won the silver medal after finishing in 14:08.19, while Vinod Singh claimed the bronze in 14:23.67. Japan's Rui Suzuki captured the gold medal with a winning time of 14:01.24.

The fifth medal for India came through Prachi Devkar, who secured the bronze medal in the women's 3,000m steeplechase with a timing of 10:32.69. China's Yang Yiting won the gold medal in 10:14.68, while Liu Yuxin took the silver medal after clocking 10:25.51.

A total of 53 Indian athletes are representing the country at the inaugural edition of the Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships. The strong opening-day performance has given the Indian contingent an encouraging start to the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar