By Sundeep Misra, OCA Media
Nagoya, Japan, September 24, 2026: The track and field arena at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games delivered high-octane drama on Thursday, highlighted by Winfred Yavi’s superior class in the women’s 10,000m final.
Embarking on an audacious hat-trick bid for three gold medals across the 3000m steeplechase, 5000m and 10,000m, Bahrain’s Yavi, the reigning 3000m steeplechase Olympic champion, cleared her first major hurdle in style. In a pulsating finish, she unleashed a devastating final-straight kick to break the spirit of Japan’s valiant Nozomi Tanaka, crossing the line in 32:39.18 to secure gold ahead of Tanaka’s 32:41.54, with India’s Seema taking bronze.
On the track, the mixed 4x400m relay final provided an absolute thriller. Bahrain powered to a stellar gold-medal finish, smashing the Asian Games record with a blistering time of 3:12.87.
India pushed hard to claim a commendable silver in 3:14.46, while Vietnam rounded out the podium with bronze in 3:14.54. The United Arab Emirates was disqualified for dropping the baton. But UAE has protested the decision.
Away from the distance events, the field showcased immense power in the men’s discus final, won convincingly by China’s Abuduaini Tuergong with a throw of 64.26m. Tuergong, a consistent force on the continental circuit, fended off compatriot Wu Nanjun (61.58m) and Iran’s Sadegh Samimishalamzari, who clinched bronze with a personal best of 60.32m.
The sprints also caught fire during the preliminary heats. Thailand’s sprint sensation Puripol Boonson electrified the fans by scorching to a blistering under-10 seconds performance, clocking 9.95 seconds, in the men’s 100m heats to lay down an ominous marker for the rounds ahead.
