Vithya Ramraj Smashes P.T. Usha’s 42-Year-Old Record to Win Asian Games Bronze

India’s Vithya Ramraj delivered a record-breaking performance in the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on Sunday.

The 28-year-old from Coimbatore clocked 54.75 seconds to win bronze and set a new national record. She also broke one of the longest-standing records in Indian athletics.

Vithya Ramraj Breaks P.T. Usha’s 42-Year-Old National Record

Vithya’s performance erased the previous national record of 55.42 seconds, set by legendary Indian athlete P.T. Usha in 1984.

The record had stood for 42 years. It remained one of the most enduring benchmarks in Indian athletics.

Vithya had previously come close to breaking the mark. At the Hangzhou Asian Games, she equalled Usha’s record of 55.42 seconds.

However, in Nagoya, she went a step further. She clocked a personal best of 54.75 seconds, finally moving beyond the historic mark.

Vithya Ramraj Wins Bronze in a Closely Contested Final

Vithya attacked the 10 hurdles with determination and maintained her composure through the closing stages.

Her performance earned her bronze in a highly competitive final. The gold medal went to the UAE’s Mariam Kareem, who set a new Games Record of 54.31 seconds.

Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems claimed silver in 54.58 seconds, while Vithya completed the podium in 54.75 seconds.

The difference between gold and bronze was less than half a second. Vithya’s performance highlighted her ability to deliver her fastest run on a major international stage.

From Equalling the Record to Making History

Vithya’s achievement carries significance beyond the medal.

For four decades, P.T. Usha’s 55.42-second mark had remained untouched. Vithya had already matched it at the previous Asian Games.

Now, she has moved ahead of that benchmark and established herself as India’s new national record holder in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Her journey from equalling the record to breaking it adds another milestone to her career. The performance also brings another athletics medal to India’s Asian Games campaign.

Women’s 400m Hurdles Final: Results

After 42 years, P.T. Usha’s national record has finally been surpassed. Vithya Ramraj has now etched her name into the Indian athletics record books.