Vithya Ramraj Reveals Who She Dedicated Her Asian Games Silver Medal To

India's Vithya Ramraj delivered an emotional tribute after helping the country win silver in the mixed 4×400m relay, dedicating the medal to her twin sister Nithya Ramraj, who missed this year's Asian Games after failing to qualify. 

Vithya said she entered the 2026 Games with one clear goal—to improve the colour of the medal she had won previously.

“I won three medals at the last Asian Games, so this time I tried to change the colour of my medal,” Vithya said after India's silver-medal finish. 

India Win Silver in Mixed 4×400m Relay

The Indian quartet of Machettira Poovamma, Vishal Thennarasu, Vithya Ramraj and Thekkinalil Manu clocked 3:14.46 to secure silver in the mixed 4×400m relay final.

Bahrain: Gold – 3:12.87 (Games Record)

India: Silver – 3:14.46

Vietnam: Bronze – 3:14.54

India finished just 0.08 seconds ahead of Vietnam to clinch the silver medal.

“I Missed My Twin Sister”: Vithya's Emotional Tribute

The medal carried special meaning for Vithya because her twin sister Nithya Ramraj, also an athlete, was not part of India's squad this time.

Nithya had competed alongside Vithya at the previous Asian Games, making this edition emotionally different for the Indian runner.

“Since my twin sister was with me at the last Asian Games, I missed her terribly this time. That's why I dedicated this medal to her,” Vithya said. 

Coach Bhanot's Advice Helped Vithya Stay Focused

Vithya also credited coach Bhanot for helping her stay calm during the crucial stages of the race.

Rather than looking at her rivals, she said she focused entirely on her coach's instructions before receiving the baton.

“I was just looking at my coach's face. I didn't see any opponent. I received the baton and ran with everything I had,” she said. 

She added that even after stumbling during the race, she continued following her coach's advice and concentrated only on finishing her leg strongly.

India Extend Mixed Relay Medal Streak

The silver medal strengthened India's impressive record in the mixed 4×400m relay at the Asian Games.

Vithya Ramraj's Journey Continues

For Vithya Ramraj, the silver medal represented more than another international podium finish. After winning three medals at the previous Asian Games, she arrived with higher expectations and left with another memorable performance—one dedicated to her sister and shaped by the guidance of her coach.

The Indian relay team's dramatic finish, edging Vietnam by just 0.08 seconds, ensured that the emotional celebration ended with another major Asian Games medal for India.