Asian Games: India's race walkers miss podium in 20km race walk

NEW DELHI: India's athletics campaign at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou got off to a disappointing start as athletes Vikash Singh, Sandeep Kumar, and Commonwealth Games medalist Priyanka Goswami failed to secure podium positions in the final of the men's and women's 20 km race walk.
In the men's 20 km race walk, Vikash finished fifth out of 11 athletes with a timing of 1:27:33, while Sandeep was disqualified from the event.The gold and silver medals went to China, while Japan secured the bronze.
In the women's 20 km race walk event, Priyanka earned a fifth-place finish with a time of 1:43:07. China took home both the gold and silver medals, while Japan claimed the bronze.
The disappointing start in race walking was a setback for India's athletics team, which includes top names like world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, and steeplechase racer Avinash Sable. They are among the prominent Indian athletes competing in a total of 37 events at the Hangzhou Games.

The athletics events began on September 29 and will continue until October 5, with the track and field competitions taking place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.
Athletics has historically been one of India's strongest disciplines at the Asian Games, contributing significantly to the country's medal tally. India has secured a total of 254 medals in athletics at the Asian Games, including 79 gold, 88 silver, and 87 bronze medals, highlighting its prowess in the sport on the continental stage.
(With ANI inputs)