President Droupadi Murmu and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated Indian marathon runner Sawan Barwal after he won a historic silver medal in the men’s marathon at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Barwal clocked 2:11:37, setting a new national record and ending India’s 44-year wait for a medal in the Asian Games marathon. The Sawan Barwal Asian Games Silver was won behind Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita, who took gold in 2:10:49. China’s Peiyou Feng finished third with 2:12:13.President Murmu Congratulates Sawan BarwalPresident Droupadi Murmu praised Barwal’s performance and highlighted its importance for Indian athletics.“Your exceptional performance has marked India’s return to the Asian Games marathon podium after four decades.”The President Murmu Sawan Barwal tribute came after the Indian runner secured second place in the 42.195-kilometre race in Nagoya on Saturday. The President also said that the achievement could inspire a new generation of Indian distance runners.Historic Silver Ends 44-Year WaitThe Sawan Barwal marathon silver ended India’s long wait for an Asian Games marathon medal. India’s previous medal in the event came at the 1982 Asian Games. Barwal’s result therefore marks India’s return to the marathon podium after 44 years. The Sawan Barwal Asian Games 2026 performance was also significant because he became the first Indian man to win an Asian Games marathon medal on foreign soil, according to current reports. Key HighlightsMedal: Silver, men’s marathonDate: September 26, 2026Time: 2:11:37National record: New Indian marathon recordGold: Ichitaka Yamashita, Japan — 2:10:49Bronze: Peiyou Feng, China — 2:12:13Wait ended: India’s 44-year Asian Games marathon medal drought Mandaviya Calls It a Historic AchievementSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated Barwal for his performance. He described the result as a “Historic Silver for Bharat” and praised the athlete for ending India’s long wait for a marathon medal.The President Murmu Asian Games tribute and Mandaviya’s message followed Barwal’s strong performance in the Aichi-Nagoya Games.For Indian marathon at Asian Games, the medal is an important result after decades without a podium finish. Barwal’s national-record run has also added another major achievement to India’s athletics campaign at the Asian Games 2026.The Sawan Barwal historic silver will now be remembered as one of India’s notable marathon performances at the continental Games.Also Read : Asian Games: Prannoy questions hectic scheduling as Indian shuttlers play two matches in a day
