Sawan Barwal Ends India’s 44-Year Wait for Asian Games Marathon Medal

India’s Sawan Barwal created history at the Asian Games 2026 by winning the silver medal in the men’s marathon in Nagoya, ending the country’s 44-year wait for a podium finish in the event.

The Indian national record-holder stayed among the leading runners throughout the 42.195-kilometre race and was in second position at the halfway mark. Barwal maintained his place at the 35km mark and remained in pursuit of Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita during the closing stages.

Yamashita eventually opened a gap with around seven kilometres remaining, but Barwal held firm to secure silver. His achievement marks India’s first Asian Games marathon medal since the 1982 edition and the first by an Indian man at the event on foreign soil.

Barwal’s medal is also India’s fourth Asian Games marathon medal. Chhota Singh won gold and Surat Singh Mathur took bronze at the inaugural 1951 Games, while Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan won bronze in 1982.

The landmark result adds another major achievement to Barwal’s national-record credentials.