Nagoya: Indian marathon runner Sawan Barwal ended a 44-year wait for an Asian Games medal in the men’s marathon by winning silver at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday. The national record-holder stayed in medal contention throughout the 42.195-kilometre race and finished second behind Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita.

Barwal’s silver is India’s first Asian Games marathon medal since the 1982 edition and the country’s first medal in the men’s marathon at the continental Games on foreign soil. His performance also added a fourth individual men’s marathon medal to India’s Asian Games history.

Barwal stays in medal position

The men’s marathon began at 4 am IST, with Barwal and fellow Indian runner Kartik Karkera among the 19 competitors. Barwal quickly established himself among the leading group and maintained his position as the race progressed.

At the halfway stage, the Indian runner was already in second place. He continued to remain in medal contention as the field gradually reduced, reaching the 35-kilometre mark in second position with a reported timing of 1:49:29.

With around seven kilometres remaining, Barwal was still chasing Japan’s Yamashita. The Japanese runner managed to create some distance, but Barwal protected his second position during the closing stages.

With only a few kilometres left, Barwal was around 26 seconds behind Yamashita. Despite the gap, he remained firmly in silver-medal position and completed the race to secure India’s long-awaited marathon medal.

First marathon medal since 1982

India’s previous men’s marathon medal at the Asian Games came in 1982, when Hosur Kukkappa Seetharan won bronze in New Delhi. Before that, Chhota Singh won gold and Surat Singh Mathur secured bronze at the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951.

Barwal’s silver therefore becomes India’s fourth individual men’s marathon medal in Asian Games history. It also ends the country’s 44-year wait for a podium finish in the event.

The significance of the result is also linked to the location of India’s earlier marathon medals. All three previous individual men’s marathon medals had come on home soil in New Delhi. Barwal’s silver is the first Indian men’s marathon medal at the Asian Games won outside India.

National record-holder makes successful transition

Barwal entered the Asian Games as India’s national record-holder in the marathon. He set the national record earlier in 2026 during his competitive marathon debut at the Rotterdam Marathon.

The 28-year-old clocked 2:11:58 in Rotterdam, breaking Shivnath Singh’s long-standing national record of 2:12:00, which had stood since 1978. The performance also secured Barwal’s qualification for the Asian Games.

Barwal’s transition to the marathon was relatively recent. He had spent much of his career competing as a track runner before moving towards the longer distance. The switch was considered after discussions with coaches, and his first planned marathon attempt was delayed by an injury.

He eventually returned to training in January 2026 before competing at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships and then making his marathon debut in Rotterdam.

Focus shifted from timing to medals

Ahead of the Asian Games, Barwal had indicated that his priority would be competing for a medal rather than concentrating solely on his finishing time.

The Asian Games marathon presented a different challenge from his record-breaking Rotterdam race. In a championship event, the position within the field can be more important than running against the clock, and Barwal stayed close to the front throughout the race.

His ability to maintain second place through the final stages ultimately delivered the silver medal and a historic result for Indian athletics.

Kartik Karkera finishes 17th

The other Indian runner in the men’s marathon, Kartik Karkera, finished 17th. He completed the race in 2:22:41.

Karkera’s participation gave India two runners in the field, while Barwal’s second-place finish ensured the country returned to the marathon podium after more than four decades.

The result also adds to India’s athletics medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where athletes are competing across track and field events during the continental competition.

India’s medal tally reaches 25

Following Barwal’s silver, India’s medal tally stood at 25 at the point reported by NDTV, comprising two gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals. India was placed 12th in the medal standings at that stage.

Barwal’s achievement adds an important athletics medal to India’s campaign and brings the men’s marathon back into the country’s Asian Games medal record after a prolonged gap.

Conclusion

Sawan Barwal’s silver medal in Nagoya has ended India’s 44-year wait for a men’s marathon medal at the Asian Games. After finishing second behind Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita, Barwal became the first Indian man to win an Asian Games marathon medal on foreign soil. His performance follows his national-record run of 2:11:58 in Rotterdam earlier this year and marks a significant milestone in his transition from track running to the marathon.