Who is Seema Kumari? India Runner gets Bronze in 10000 meters at Asian Games 2026, first in 16 Years

Seema Kumari created history for India in a scintillating fashion in Women's 10000 meter run, as she clinched Bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday (September 24).

The long-distance runner paced her race magnificently to defy all the odds and finish with a podium for the nation.

Seema Kumari wins Bronze

Seema clocked 32:50.05, crossing the finish line just 10.87 seconds behind Bahrain's Winfred Yavi, who won gold in 32:39.18. Japan's Nozomi Tanaka took silver with 32:41.54, finishing 2.36 seconds behind Yavi.

The Indian runner stayed in medal contention throughout the race and ultimately completed the 10,000m in 32 minutes and 50.05 seconds. Her bronze marked a significant achievement on the continental stage, as it was India's first at the Asian Games since 2010.

The podium was decided by a narrow margin at the front, with only 11 seconds separating Yavi from Seema.

Who is Seema Kumari?

Born on January 10, 2001, Seema Kumari is one of India's leading long-distance runners, specialising in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Hailing from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, she began her journey through the SAI system and rose rapidly through the junior ranks.

Her early breakthrough came with a bronze at the Youth Asian Athletics Championships and a silver at the Asian Youth Olympic Qualification event. She later established herself on the domestic circuit, winning national titles in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.

At the 2025 World University Games, Seema overcame the disappointment of missing her 10,000m event because of an administrative error to win a historic silver in the 5,000m, clocking 15:35.86.

Her form continued into 2026. She set personal bests of 32:02.43 in the 10,000m and 15:16.20 in the 5,000m, while also winning the 10,000m at the National Inter-State Championships.

Now, she has created history for India with a bronze medal, the nation's first in that discipline in 16 long years.