Indian marathon runner Sawan Barwal won the silver medal in the men’s marathon at the 2026 Asian Games, ending India’s 44 year wait for a podium finish in the event.

Barwal completed the race in 2:11:37, recording a personal best and setting a new national record in the men’s marathon. Japan’s Yamashita secured the gold after moving ahead during the final stages of the race.

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Barwal for his silver medal performance. She said his achievement brought India back onto the Asian Games marathon podium after four decades and expressed hope that his success would encourage a new generation of distance runners.