Asian Athletics Championships 2025 – Day 3 Preview: India Eyeing Medal Surge in Suwon

As the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Suwon enters Day 3, the Indian contingent stands at a critical juncture.

With 8 medals already secured — 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze — India sits third in the overall medal standings behind China (11 golds) and Japan (3 golds). But with a packed Day 3 schedule featuring Indians in 13 finals, this could be the day India makes its strongest move up the table.

India’s Medal Tally So Far: Solid Start with Big Potential

The current medal table sees China (15 medals) dominating with an imposing 11 golds, showcasing their traditional strength in both track and field. Japan follows closely with 14 medals, including 3 golds, thanks to consistent podium finishes. India’s haul of 8 medals, however, includes strong silver and bronze finishes, suggesting a wide spread of competitive performances.

But for India to challenge the top two, gold medals will be crucial — and Thursday provides a prime opportunity.

Early Morning Grind: Nandini’s Heptathlon Marathon Begins

Nandini Agasara is set to be one of the busiest Indian athletes on Day 3. Her day begins at 6:30 AM IST with the 100m hurdles (heptathlon), followed by high jump (7:30 AM) and shot put (9:30 AM). A consistent showing across these three events could see her in medal contention before the final day of the heptathlon.

Distance Focus: Seema, Sanjivani in the 10,000m Women’s Final

The 10,000m women’s final at 6:45 AM sees Seema and Sanjivani Jadhav representing India. Both runners are known for their endurance and tactical racing. While breaking into the East Asian stronghold in this event is a tough ask, India will hope to at least get a foot on the podium.

Relay Heats: Men’s 4x400m to Set the Tone

The Indian men’s 4x400m relay team competes in Heat 1 at 7:45 AM, where qualification will be key. India’s depth in this event has improved drastically in recent years, and the team will aim to secure a strong time without exhausting their legs ahead of the final.

Afternoon Field Events: India Poised for Podium Finishes

The afternoon opens with the men’s shot put final at 1:35 PM, where Samardeep Singh Gill will represent India. A medal here would not only boost India’s field event profile but also provide crucial momentum ahead of the action-packed stretch.

At 2:00 PM, India has a double entry in the women’s long jump final — Shaili Singh and Ancy Sojan. Both athletes have been in tremendous form on the domestic circuit, and with jumps consistently above the 6.50m mark, a double podium finish is within reach.

Middle-Distance Power: Steeplechasers Lead India’s Gold Hopes

At 2:05 PM, Avinash Sable headlines the men’s 3000m steeplechase final. As a national record holder and Asian Games gold medalist, Sable starts as the overwhelming favourite. A medal — preferably gold — would solidify India’s middle-distance dominance.

Just minutes later at 2:20 PM, the women’s steeplechase final features Parul Chaudhary and Ankita Dhyani. Parul, known for her aggressive front-running, is one of India’s best bets for a gold on Day 3. Ankita, meanwhile, will be eyeing a breakthrough performance on the continental stage.

Jyothi Yarraji Returns to the Blocks

At 2:55 PM, all eyes will be on Jyothi Yarraji in the women’s 100m hurdles final. She’s one of India’s most reliable track athletes and enters as one of the top contenders. Her consistency in sub-13-second finishes could fetch India a third gold medal.

Final Stretch: High Jump & 4x400m Relays to Close the Day

• At 2:10 PM, Sarvesh Anil Kushare will be competing in the men’s high jump final. A personal best above 2.25m could put him in the medal zone.
• At 2:15 PM, Seema, doubling up after the 10,000m, returns for the women’s discus throw final. Her stamina and versatility will be tested in this back-to-back schedule.
• The women’s 4x400m relay team closes out Day 3 at 3:45 PM. India’s women have consistently been among the best in Asia in this event and will look to challenge Bahrain and Japan for top honours.

Medal Standings Ahead of Day 3 (Top Nations)

Outlook: A Defining Day for India

With athletes in multiple medal positions, India has a legitimate shot at adding 5–7 more medals on Day 3, including 2–3 golds. If results go their way, the Indian team could close the day as the second-best nation, tightening the gap with China and Japan.

Events like steeplechase, long jump, hurdles, and relays will be critical. More importantly, success today will build confidence heading into the business end of the Championships.

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