Asian Games: India win women's 4x400m relay gold, Bahrain take silver

India's women's team won gold in the 4x400 metre relay at the 2026 Asian Games on Tuesday. It is India's sixth gold of the Games, and Vithya Ramraj's role in the win was the most important. The Indian team of Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj finished first in 3:29.69.

Bahrain took second place in 3:30.21, just 0.52 seconds behind India. China were third on the podium in 3:31.02, and Japan came fourth in 3:31.44. Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei followed.

India started the relay from lane six. Sprinter Kiran ran the first leg and passed the baton in third place, leaving Poovamma to close the gap. The experienced Poovamma ran a fine second leg and kept India in the race. She then handed the baton to Prachi, who had earlier won bronze in the individual 400 metres.

Prachi played a big part in keeping India in the medal race. She put Vithya in a position that made the road ahead easier and handed her the baton. On the last lap, Vithya showed her strength. She found her rhythm quickly and cut the gap to the runners ahead.

Near the 200 metre mark, Vithya raised her pace. Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser chased hard and slowly reduced the gap between them. But Vithya had built such a lead at the start of the final leg that no one could meet her challenge. She stayed composed over the closing stretch and crossed the finish line first.

This is Vithya's third medal at the Asian Games, and it is a gold. She had earlier won silver and bronze in other races. On Monday she broke P.T. Usha's 42-year-old national record in the women's 400 metres hurdles. With the gold, Vithya completed her campaign at this Asian Games.