Nagoya, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Sawan Barwal produced a landmark performance at the Asian Games 2026, winning the silver medal in the men’s marathon and ending the country’s 44-year wait for a medal in the event.
Barwal, India’s national record-holder, remained in medal contention throughout the tightly contested 42.195-kilometre race in Nagoya before securing second place. His silver is India’s first Asian Games marathon medal since the 1982 edition and the first by an Indian man on foreign soil.
The marathon began at 4 a.m. IST, with Barwal and fellow Indian runner Kartik Karkera among the 19 participants. Barwal stayed with the leading group through the early stages and gradually moved into contention at the front.
By the halfway mark, Barwal had moved into second position. He maintained his place as the field began to thin out, reaching the 35-kilometre mark in second with a reported timing of 1:49:29.
With around seven kilometres remaining, Barwal continued his pursuit of Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita. The Japanese runner eventually opened up a gap, but Barwal held on to second place through the closing stages. With only a few kilometres left, he was around 26 seconds behind Yamashita but remained firmly in silver-medal position.
Barwal’s achievement adds a fourth Asian Games marathon medal to India’s historical tally. Chhota Singh won gold at the inaugural 1951 Asian Games, while Surat Singh Mathur claimed bronze at the same edition. Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan added another bronze at the 1982 Asian Games.
Barwal’s silver therefore becomes India’s first marathon medal at the continental event in 44 years.
The other Indian in the race, Kartik Karkera, finished 17th after completing the marathon in 2:22:41.
The medal marks another significant moment for Indian athletics at the 2026 Asian Games, with Barwal turning his national-record credentials into a podium finish on the continental stage.
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