New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj after the Indian quartet clinched gold in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.
The Indian team clocked 3:29.69 to finish first in a closely contested final, ahead of Bahrain, which recorded 3:30.21, and China, which finished third in 3:31.02. The victory ended India’s wait for gold in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.
The Prime Minister’s Office shared Modi’s message on X, congratulating the athletes on their performance and praising their speed, determination and teamwork.
“Congratulations to Kiran Pahal, Poovamma MR, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj on a magnificent performance in the Women’s 4×400m Relay at the Asian Games. Their speed and determination powered India to the top of the podium. This is a proud moment for Indian athletics and a wonderful example of what teamwork can achieve! Best wishes to the athletes for the endeavours ahead,” the PMO posted.
India began the final in lane six, with Kiran Pahal running the opening leg before handing over the baton to experienced runner M.R. Poovamma, with the team in third position.
Poovamma delivered a strong second leg, bringing India into contention at the front. Prachi Choudhary, who had earlier secured an individual bronze medal in the 400m, kept India firmly in the medal race before handing the baton to Vithya Ramraj for the anchor leg.
Vithya produced a decisive finish, making her move around the 200-metre mark before holding off Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Nasr in the closing stages to secure the gold medal for India.
The triumph marked an improvement on India’s silver-medal finish in the women’s 4x400m relay at the previous edition of the Asian Games.
The victory also added to Vithya’s memorable campaign, taking her medal tally at the Games to three. She had earlier won silver and bronze medals and set a new national record in the women’s 400m hurdles a day before the relay final.
Japan finished fourth in 3:31.44, followed by Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei.
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