Seema Kumari Wins Historic Asian Games 10,000m Bronze

Indian long-distance runner Seema Kumari won bronze in the women’s 10,000m final at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Thursday, September 24.

The Indian athlete clocked 32:50.05 to secure a place on the podium after a closely contested race. Her medal marks India’s return to the women’s 10,000m podium at the continental event after 16 years.

Seema Kumari Claims Bronze After Late Surge

Seema entered the competition with a season-best time of 32:02.43. She began strongly, holding second place during the opening eight laps before slipping to fifth by the 10th lap.

The 10,000m race consists of 25 laps and demands sustained endurance and stamina. Seema remained in fifth place through much of the closing stages before making a late push.

With fewer than two laps remaining, she moved into the top three and held on to secure the bronze medal with a time of 32:50.05.

India Ends 16-Year Wait In Women’s 10,000m

Seema’s bronze is a significant achievement for Indian athletics, ending a 16-year gap since the country last won a medal in the women’s 10,000m at the Asian Games.

It is also only the third medal India has won in the event’s history at the continental competition.