India’s campaign at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships kicked off on a promising note as Servin Sebastian clinched a bronze medal in the Men’s 20km Race Walk, registering a personal best time of 1:21:13.60 in a gutsy performance that underlined his status as one of India’s most consistent performers in the discipline.
It was a moment of redemption and resurgence for the 26-year-old, who had missed qualification for the Paris Olympics last year by a narrow margin. Since then, Servin has been on an upward curve, capturing the National Games gold earlier this year and now adding his first international medal to his growing résumé.
A Well-Deserved Podium Finish
In a tightly contested field in Gumi, Servin held his composure through the early phases before gradually building momentum in the second half of the race. His well-timed surge in the final kilometers ensured he secured a place on the podium behind the race leaders from Japan and China. The bronze medal marks India’s first medal at the 2025 edition of the continental championships.
Just behind him, Amit, another strong Indian walker, finished 5th with a time of 1:22:14.30, reinforcing India’s depth in race walking — a discipline that has brought multiple international laurels over the past decade.
Trained by a Stalwart, Rising Like One
Servin trains at the Army Sports Institute (ASI) Pune under the mentorship of Basanta Bahadur Rana, the 2012 Olympian and former national record holder in the 50km race walk. The influence of Rana’s experience was evident in Servin’s race strategy and discipline — particularly in how he managed his splits and avoided time penalties despite the grueling pace.
Over the past 18 months, Servin has stood out for his consistent timings and strong finishes at both national and international meets. His bronze today isn’t just a personal milestone but a breakthrough moment for Indian race walking, which is quietly but steadily building a formidable reputation in Asia.
Redemption After Paris Miss
For an athlete who narrowly missed out on the Paris Olympics — an absence that could have dented morale — Servin has bounced back with a vengeance. His gold medal at the 2025 National Games came with a personal best, which he bettered once again in Gumi.
This kind of form, coupled with his determination, makes him a strong contender for the upcoming World Championships and the road to Los Angeles 2028.
The 2025 Asian Athletics Championships are just getting started, and India couldn’t have asked for a better beginning. Servin’s bronze sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling campaign, with many of India’s top track and field athletes expected to be in action in the coming days.
For now, all eyes are on Servin — the man who delivered under pressure, marked a career-high performance, and gave Indian athletics its first reason to cheer in Gumi. Take a bow, Servin.
RESULT — Men’s 20km Race Walk
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