Nagoya, Sept 2026 : Indian distance runner Sawan Barwal scripted a historic chapter in the country’s athletics history by winning the silver medal in the men’s marathon at the Asian Games 2026, ending India’s 44-year wait for a podium finish in the event.
The Indian national record-holder produced a composed performance over the gruelling 42.195-kilometre course in Nagoya, staying in medal contention throughout the race before securing second place. His silver is India’s first Asian Games marathon medal since the 1982 edition and the first by an Indian man at the continental event held outside the country.
The marathon began at 4 a.m. IST, with Barwal and fellow Indian Kartik Karkera among the 19 competitors. Barwal settled into the leading group during the early stages and gradually strengthened his position as the race unfolded.
By the halfway point, Barwal had moved into second place and remained firmly among the medal contenders as the field began to thin. He reached the 35-kilometre mark in second position, with his reported timing standing at 1:49:29.
Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita remained ahead as the race entered its decisive stages. With around seven kilometres remaining, Barwal continued to chase the home runner but focused on protecting his position in the medal places.
Yamashita eventually opened up a gap, but Barwal maintained his rhythm and composure. With only a few kilometres left, the Indian was around 26 seconds behind the Japanese runner but remained comfortably placed for silver. He held on through the final stretch to complete a landmark performance for Indian athletics.
Barwal’s medal adds a fourth Asian Games marathon medal to India’s historical tally. Chhota Singh won the gold medal in the inaugural 1951 Asian Games, while Surat Singh Mathur secured bronze at the same edition. India’s next marathon medal came at the 1982 Asian Games, when Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan won bronze.
Barwal’s silver therefore marks India’s first marathon medal at the Asian Games in 44 years and provides another significant achievement for the country’s distance-running programme.
The performance is particularly notable given Barwal’s status as India’s national record-holder. He converted his record-breaking credentials into a major international podium finish, demonstrating his ability to compete successfully against some of Asia’s leading marathon runners.
For Indian athletics, the result also adds to the country’s medal tally at the Nagoya Asian Games and provides a significant boost to its endurance events.
The other Indian competitor, Kartik Karkera, finished 17th after completing the marathon in 2:22:41.
Barwal’s silver in Nagoya will stand alongside India’s earlier marathon medals as a significant milestone in the country’s Asian Games history. After more than four decades without a medal in the event, the Indian runner’s disciplined race and strong finish finally brought the marathon back onto the continental podium.
