Asian U23 Athletics Championships: Shivaji Parashuram Settles for Silver in Men’s 10,000m

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: India’s promising distance runner Shivaji Parashuram settled for a silver medal in the men’s 10,000m on the penultimate day of the inaugural edition of the Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, on Saturday. Discus thrower Priya and low hurdler Shravani Sachin Sangle added two bronze medals to India’s tally of 11 on Saturday, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian athletics at this burgeoning level of competition.

The Asian U23 Athletics Championships serve as a critical platform for young athletes across the continent to showcase their skills and compete at an international level. This championship not only allows athletes to gain valuable experience but also plays a significant role in their development as they aspire to compete in larger global events such as the Olympics and World Championships. The inaugural edition in Ordos, China, has drawn attention from various countries, highlighting the growing interest in athletics in Asia.

Shivaji Parashuram's silver medal in the 10,000m race on Saturday marked a significant achievement in his burgeoning athletic career. This was his second medal at the Asian U23 Championships, as he had previously secured a silver in the 5,000m event on the opening day of the championships. Parashuram's performance in the 10,000m showcased his endurance and tactical racing ability, as he pursued the gold medal but ultimately finished with a personal best time of 29:33.54. His determination and competitive spirit were evident throughout the race, as he pushed himself against a strong field.

Japan’s Yoshihiro Kusuoka claimed the gold medal in the men’s 10,000m with a time of 29:29.34, demonstrating the strength of Japanese distance running on the Asian stage. Kusuoka’s performance reflects Japan's long-standing tradition of excellence in long-distance events, which have produced numerous world-class athletes over the years. Meanwhile, China’s Jinzhi Jiang secured the bronze medal with a time of 29:42.54, contributing to China's strong showing in track events at this championship.

Shailesh Kushwaha, the second Indian in the grueling 25-lap race, finished fourth with a time of 30:46.78. While he did not medal, his performance indicates the potential for future success, as he gains experience in high-pressure competition settings. The depth of talent among Indian long-distance runners is becoming increasingly prominent, with athletes like Parashuram and Kushwaha setting the stage for a bright future.

In addition to Parashuram's achievements, the day also saw discus thrower Priya winning a bronze medal with a throw of 50.44m, achieved on her third attempt. Her performance is a testament to the progress of Indian athletes in field events, an area that has historically been overshadowed by track events. China secured a 1-2 finish in the women’s discus throw, with Zhichao Jiang taking the gold medal with a throw of 58.63m, and compatriot Jingru Huang winning silver with a throw of 55.33m. This dominance in field events reflects China's extensive investment in athletics and their commitment to nurturing talent from a young age.

Furthermore, India’s Shravani Sachin Sangle added another bronze medal to the country’s tally in the women’s 400m hurdles, clocking a time of 58.09 seconds. Her performance not only highlights her individual talent but also signifies the increasing competitiveness of Indian women in hurdles, an event that requires a unique combination of speed, agility, and technique. Hsin Ju Chung of Taipei won gold with a time of 57.41 seconds, while silver went to Nurkhon Ochilova of Uzbekistan, who posted a time of 57.99 seconds. These performances underscore the rising standards in hurdles across Asia, as countries continue to develop their athletes in this challenging discipline.

In the women’s 100m hurdles, Indian athletes Shreeya Rajesh and Sabita Toppo finished fourth and sixth, respectively, with times of 13.49 seconds and 13.73 seconds. Although they did not medal, their participation at this level is crucial for their growth and development as athletes. The experience gained from competing against some of the best young hurdlers in Asia will be invaluable as they look to improve and challenge for medals in future competitions.

India’s long jumper Mohd Atta Sazid also showcased his talent, finishing fifth with a leap of 7.72m. While he fell short of the podium, his performance reflects the potential for growth in Indian athletics, particularly in field events where athletes have been making strides in recent years. Anupriya VS, competing in the women's shot put, finished fourth with a distance of 14.97m, just missing out on a medal but demonstrating her capability in a highly competitive field.

In the men’s 400m, India’s Astik Pradhan finished fifth with a time of 46.33 seconds, while Setu Mishra was seventh, clocking 47.26 seconds. The performances of these athletes indicate a growing pool of talent in the sprint events, which have historically been a strength for Indian athletics. As these athletes gain more experience and exposure to high-level competitions, they are likely to improve their performances and challenge for medals in the future.

The Asian U23 Athletics Championships not only highlight the achievements of young athletes but also serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in sports at the grassroots level. As countries across Asia continue to develop their athletic programs, the competition is expected to become increasingly fierce, pushing athletes to reach new heights. The success of athletes like Shivaji Parashuram and his peers can inspire the next generation of athletes in India and beyond.

In related news, Spain ousted Belgium in the FIFA World Cup, setting up a semifinal clash with France. This event highlights the interconnectedness of sports globally, as major tournaments in different disciplines often coincide, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The excitement surrounding both athletics and football reflects the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts and the importance of international competitions in promoting athletic excellence.