Aarti Wins India's First Medal at World Athletics U20 Championships 2024, Clinches Bronze Medal in Women's 10000m Race Walk

Add as a preferred source on Google

Aarti has secured India's first medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024, clinching the bronze in the women's 10,000m racewalk. With a remarkable time of 44:39.39, Aarti not only earned a spot on the podium but also shattered the decade-old U20 National Record.

The previous record of 49:16.51, set by Priyanka Goswami in 2014 in Vijayawada, was eclipsed by Aarti's stellar performance, underscoring her exceptional talent and determination.

The race was of high quality with China's Zhuoma Baima taking the gold in record-breaking fashion. Baima set a new World U20 record with her time of 43:26.60, leaving her competitors in awe. Meiling Chen, also from China, claimed the silver with a personal best of 44:30.67, making it a double celebration for the Chinese contingent.

Aarti's bronze comes as a much-needed boost for India, who had been eagerly awaiting a medal as the championships near their conclusion. The result offers some respite to the Indian contingent, which has largely struggled to make it to the finals in various events. In the last two editions of the World Athletics U20 Championships, India had managed to secure three medals -- two silver and one bronze. Matching that tally now seems like a formidable challenge, with only one day of competition remaining.

Despite the pressure, hopes remain high, particularly with athletes like Pooja Singh in the fray. The high jumper from Fatehbad district of Haryana has already made headlines by setting a new U20 national record. She cleared 1.83m to finish second in her qualification round group and ninth overall, earning a spot in the final. The 17-year-old will compete on August 31, and her performance could be crucial in helping India inch closer to its previous medal tally.

As the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024 draws to a close, India's athletes are giving their all in the final stretch. Aarti's bronze medal win, coupled with her record-breaking feat, will undoubtedly inspire her teammates to push the limits and strive for excellence in their respective events.