Vithya Ramraj’s dedication over the past three years has culminated in a remarkable performance at the 2026 Asian Games, where she secured three medals. Her father expressed pride as Vithya accomplished this feat, which included winning gold in the women’s 4x400m relay, silver in the mixed 4x400m relay, and bronze in the women’s 400m hurdles.

At the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Vithya not only achieved a podium finish in all her events but also broke the long-standing national record previously held by celebrated athlete PT Usha. Her father highlighted the significance of this achievement during an interview with the media.

He noted that Vithya’s training journey began with district-level competitions, where she and her twin sister Nithya first gained recognition for their talent in athletics. This early success laid the groundwork for their future opportunities in the sport.

Path to Professional Training

Vithya Ramraj and her sister progressed through local competitions, eventually qualifying for a significant event in Tiruvannamalai. Their impressive performances there enabled them to secure placements at the Sports Hostel, providing a pivotal chance to receive professional training. According to their father, the support they received from various corners played an essential role in their development as athletes.

Ramraj reflected on how his efforts as a truck driver—often working extra shifts—were geared towards ensuring his daughters had the means to pursue their athletic aspirations. The family’s commitment and collective hard work have been influential in shaping their trajectory in sports.

Vithya’s journey in athletics has been underpinned by persistence and the encouragement of her family and community. This foundation has allowed her to compete at higher levels and represent India effectively on international stages, culminating in her recent success.

Record-Breaking Performance at the Games

In the women’s 400m hurdles final, Vithya recorded a personal best time of 54.75 seconds, clinching the bronze medal and surpassing PT Usha’s previous national record of 55.42 seconds, which had stood since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite challenging weather conditions at Mizuho Stadium, she performed commendably, clearing all ten hurdles efficiently.

Vithya finished behind Mariam Kareem of the UAE, who set a Games record with a time of 54.31 seconds, and Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems, who secured silver with a time of 54.58 seconds. Remarkably, Ramraj had already matched Usha’s record in the semifinal round, showcasing her consistent performance throughout the competition.

Vithya’s role in the women’s 4x400m relay was crucial to India’s gold medal victory. The team, which also included Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, and Prachi Choudhary, clocked a time of 3:29.69, marking India’s first athletics gold of the 2026 Games. Bahraini athletes earned silver, while Chinese competitors took bronze in the relay event.

In the mixed 4x400m relay, Vithya teamed up with Manu TS, Poovamma MR, and Vishal TK to achieve silver in 3:14.46. Remained in contention for most of the race, Vithya’s strong finishing leg was instrumental in her team securing second place behind Bahrain, who won gold.

Vithya Ramraj’s impressive performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games not only highlights her as a standout athlete but also underscores her breaking of records, further enhancing her developing career in track and field.

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