India 2nd Position in Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, South Korea

The Indian team ended the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, with great success, winning 24 medals, their greatest medal count in a foreign meeting in 40 years. Important silver and bronze medals on the final day meant India came second in the medal tally, behind China. Remarkable performances were made by Sachin Yadav in the javelin, Parul Chaudhary in running events and India’s women in the 4x100m relay.

Context:

• The 8 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals India won at the Asian Athletics Championships mark the best-ever showing overseas by India in 40 years. 

• Sachin Yadav, Parul Chaudhary and India’s 4x100m relay team all took home silver medals.

Key Highlights:

Overview

• India won 24 medals in Tokyo (8 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze), its biggest collection of medals at any international event held in 40 years.

• Finished in 2nd place, after China (32 medals), at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships.

• Best performance outside the United States previously was at the 1985 Jakarta event (22 medals, 10 in Gold).

India’s performance at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025

• The Asian Athletics Championships 2025 took place in Gumi, Republic of Korea, from 27th May to 31st May 2025.

• More than 60 athletes participated from India.

• India participated in 30 different medal events:

  • 15 competitions for men

  • 14 competitions for women

  • 1 Team event made up of mixed genders

• India finished 2nd in the overall medal tally.

• Most of the medals were won by China.

• 24 medals were won by India.

  • 8 Gold

  • 10 silver

  • 6 Bronze

Historic Significance

• It was the best-ever performance on Chinese ground in the past 40 years.

• Shows the country’s ability to do well in multiple track and field events.

• Having mixes of both experienced athletes and rising talents points to India’s ability to perform in global sports events.

Asian Athletics Championships 

• Organised by: The Asian Athletics Association (AAA) 

• First time held: in 1973,  Manila, Philippines

• Frequency: Biennial (once every two years).

• Aim: The purpose is to advance track and field athletics in Asian countries and give elite athletes a chance to compete.

• Participants: Over 40 Asian nations send athletes who participate in running, jumping and relay events during the games.

• Events: Events feature races for both men and women as well as mixed teams in sprints, hurdles, jumping, throwing events, relays and longer distance events.

Asian Athletics Championship 2025, Gumi (South Korea) – Medal Tally

Indian Medallists at Asian Athletics Championship 2025

List of Host Cities - Asian Athletics Championship

Conclusion:

With 24 medals, including 8 golds won at the Asian Athletics Championships, India’s progress in athletics is very clear. New stars such as Sachin Yadav and Parul Chaudhary, together with good teamwork, promise a promising future for Indian athletics globally.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Read about 26th Asian Athletics Championships held in 2025 based on the given statements:

• It was held in Tokyo, Japan.
• India achieved its greatest medal count in a track and field competition held outside the country.
• Sachin Yadav and Parul Chaudhary won first place in their events.

Which statement given above is/are true?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3