Daijiworld Media Network - Nagoya
Nagoya, Sep 28: India’s Parul Chaudhary won the bronze medal in the women’s 5000m final at the Asian Games on Monday, clocking 15:14.61 to secure her second podium finish of the Games.
Parul produced a strong late surge in a closely contested battle for the minor medals, overtaking Kazakhstan’s Norah Tanui in the closing stages to finish third. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi won the gold, while Japan’s Nozomi Tanaka claimed silver.
Parul stayed within touching distance of the leading group for most of the race despite a quick early pace. Tanui initially took control and opened up a significant gap, with Yavi settling into the chasing pack.
Parul and compatriot Seema Kumari were positioned in the middle of the field in the early stages as Tanui continued to push the pace. Yavi gradually reduced the gap around the halfway mark and moved into contention for the title.
As the race entered its decisive phase, Parul remained in the medal hunt while Seema slipped further behind. Yavi moved into the lead on the final lap and increased the pace, with Tanaka trying to stay with the Bahrain runner.
Yavi then produced a powerful finishing kick to pull away and claim her third athletics gold of the Games. Tanaka held on for silver, while Parul launched a late charge to pass Tanui and secure bronze.
The medal adds to Parul’s athletics tally after she had earlier finished third in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. It is her second bronze medal at the ongoing Games.
Parul had won the women’s 5000m gold at the 2022 Asian Games. She entered Monday’s final with a season-best of 15:04.26, while Tanaka had the fastest season-best in the field at 14:58.35. Yavi came into the event with an impressive 14:30.06 season-best.
Although Parul could not defend her 2022 title, her determined finish ensured another podium appearance and added to India’s athletics medal haul.
For Yavi, the victory completed a remarkable treble at the Games. She had already won gold in the 10,000m and 3000m steeplechase events.