Servin Sebastian Opens India’s Medal Tally with Bronze in Men’s 20km Race Walk at Asian Athletics Championships

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Servin Sebastian kicked off India's campaign at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, with a bronze medal in the men's 20km race walk on Tuesday, marking a triumphant chapter in his remarkable comeback year.

The 25-year-old from Lalgudi in Tamil Nadu clocked 1:21:13.60 to secure third place in the tournament's opening event, finishing behind China's Wang Zhaozhao (1:20:36.90) and Japan's Kento Yoshikawa (1:20:44.90). His timing was just shy of his personal best-1:21:23-set earlier this year while clinching gold at the Uttarakhand National Games.

Fellow Indian athlete Amit also put up a strong performance, finishing fifth with a time of 1:22:14.30.

For Servin, the bronze medal is more than just a podium finish-it's a symbol of redemption. After narrowly missing out on a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he has rebounded with fierce determination and consistency.

His 2025 season has already been studded with standout performances. He began the year by storming to gold in the men's 20km race walk with a then personal best of 1:21.23-well within the Asian Athletics Championships qualifying mark of 1:24.00.

He continued his fine form at the National Games, smashing the existing meet record of 1:23.26 set by Gurmeet Singh. At the Indian Open Race Walking Competition in Chandigarh, Servin again grabbed gold with a time of 1:21.46, topping a highly competitive field where all top five finishers clocked under the Asian qualifying mark.

Originally a long-distance runner, Servin transitioned to race walking a few years ago-a decision that has since redefined his athletic journey. Representing India as part of a 59-member squad in Gumi, he has now opened the nation's medal account with both grit and grace, signaling the start of what promises to be a breakthrough year on the international stage.