India made a promising start at the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026 by winning two medals in the men’s 5000m, opening its medal account at the continental event in Ordos, China.
Leading the Indian challenge was Shivaji Parashuram, who produced a determined performance to claim the silver medal in a time of 14:08.19. Running confidently throughout the race, Shivaji stayed among the front-runners and finished strongly to secure India’s first medal of the championships.
Joining him on the podium was compatriot Vinod Singh, who earned the bronze medal after crossing the finish line in 14:23.67. His composed effort ensured a memorable double podium finish for India in the event, giving the country two medals in the opening stages of the competition.
The gold medal was won by Japan’s Rui Suzuki, who produced the fastest performance of the race, clocking 14:01.24 to take the title.
The silver and bronze medals hold added significance as they are India’s first-ever medals at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships, which is being held for the first time. The achievement marks a historic milestone for Indian athletics at the debut edition of the continental competition and provides an encouraging start to the campaign.
Distance running has consistently been one of India’s stronger disciplines at age-group competitions, and the performances of Shivaji Parashuram and Vinod Singh continued that tradition on the Asian stage. Their medals reflect the depth of India’s emerging talent and provide a positive foundation for the remainder of the championships.
With the medal account now open, the Indian contingent will look to build on this momentum in the events to come. The historic double podium finish in the men’s 5000m has given India an ideal start to the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships and will serve as a confidence boost for the rest of the team as they continue their quest for more medals in Ordos.