India’s women’s shot put specialist Kiran Baliyan won a historic bronze medal on Friday, as she became the first since 1951 to win a medal for the country in the event at the Asian Games. The 24-year-old Indian threw the metal ball 17.36m to clinch the medal and finish in third place behind China’s Lijiao Gong (19.58m) and Jiayuan Song (18.92m).
Even though Baliyan fell short of beating her personal best (17.92m), this effort was enough to land her on the podium. Unfortunately, another Indian in the fray, and the national record holder Manpreet Kaur failed miserably and finished fifth with a best throw of 16.25m. Chinese Taipei’s Chen-Xin Jian finished in fourth place (16.61m).
Talking about the previous medal India had at the Asian Games, in women’s shot put, came 72 years back. Barbara Webster had won the bronze medal in the first edition in New Delhi.
Other Results for India at Asian Games Athletics
Prior to this, Indian athletes were in action in the women’s hammer throw final as well. Tanya Chaudhary and Rachna Kumari finished in the seventh and ninth places, respectively. There was disappointment in the men’s 400m heat as Muhammad Anas Yahiya finished 10th with a timing of 46.29s. In the women’s event, Aishwarya Mishra made the final with a timing of 52.73s.
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