India’s Sawan Barwal created history by winning the silver medal in the men’s marathon at the Asian Games. Barwal produced a personal-best and national-record time of 2:11:37 in the final. His performance ended India’s 44-year wait for a marathon medal at the Asian Games. The silver also marked a major moment for Indian athletics and provided an impressive start to Day 7 of the competition.

Barwal ends India’s 44-year marathon wait

Barwal’s silver is India’s first Asian Games marathon medal since 1982. Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan had won bronze at the 1982 Asian Games. Since then, India had not won another medal in the men’s marathon at the continental event.

Barwal’s performance therefore ended a long medal drought in the discipline. His time of 2:11:37 also set a new national record and became his personal best.

India’s marathon medal history

Barwal’s silver is India’s third medal in the men’s marathon at the Asian Games. India’s previous marathon medallists were:

• 1951: Chhota Singh — Gold, 2:42:58.6
• 1951: Surat Singh Mathur — Bronze, 2:53:49.8
• 1982: Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan — Bronze, 2:25:07

Barwal has now added a silver medal to that list.

Shooting and archery events also underway

India’s shooting contingent is also competing in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. Ashi Chouksey, Tilottama Sen and Vidarsa Vinod are taking part in both the individual qualification round and the team event.

India’s archers are also in action on Day 7. The men’s and women’s team and individual qualification rounds are underway in both the compound and recurve disciplines. Barwal’s marathon silver has already given India a historic moment on a busy day of competition.