# Vithya Ramraj breaks 42-year national record at Asian Games

> The 28-year-old from Coimbatore became the first Indian woman to run 400m hurdles under 55 seconds, beating P.T. Usha's 1984 mark.
- Title: Vithya Ramraj breaks 42-year national record at Asian Games
- Summary: The 28-year-old from Coimbatore became the first Indian woman to run 400m hurdles under 55 seconds, beating P.T. Usha's 1984 mark. Vithya Ramraj of…
- Keywords: vithya ramraj, coimbatore, asian games, athletics, 400m hurdles, national record, p.t. usha, news, politics, Vithya, Ramraj, breaks
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/a-national-record-three-medals-and-a-proud-homecoming-for-coimbatores-vithya-ramraj/article71543625.ece
- Author: The Hindu Bureau
- Published: 2026-10-04T13:20:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vithya ramraj, coimbatore, asian games, athletics, 400m hurdles, national record, p.t. usha, news, politics
## Record falls in Japan
On September 28, Vithya Ramraj of Coimbatore won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, clocking 54.75 seconds.
## First under 55 seconds
Vithya became the first Indian woman to breach the 55-second barrier and better P.T. Usha's 55.42-second national record set at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

> I was sad in 2023 that I could not break the record. Now, I am happy that I have done it.
## Three medals at the Games
She also won gold in the women's 4x400m relay and silver in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2026 Asian Games.
## Family sacrifice and support
Her father S. Ramraj, a truck driver, said there were times when the family did not have enough income to support her athletics. Her twin sister Nithya helped with her salary.

> There were times when we did not have enough income to support her athletics. Even buying a pair of shoes was difficult.
## Path to athletics
The twins first played hockey at school. Their physical training teacher encouraged them to pursue sport, leading them to Erode Girls Sports Hostel in Class VII.
## Coach Nehpal Singh Rathore's role
Vithya credits coach Nehpal Singh Rathore for helping her build the discipline and endurance needed to compete at the highest level.

> If not for him, I would not have reached this level.
## Eyes on bigger goals
Vithya said setting the record is a proud moment, but she knows there is more to achieve. She wants to compete strongly at the World Championships and Olympic Games.

> Setting the record is a proud moment, but I know there is more to achieve.
## Homecoming celebration
On October 3, 2026, Vithya returned to Meenakshipuram in a procession from Nachipalayam. Villagers burst firecrackers, distributed sweets and showered flowers on their national record-holder.
## Key takeaway

Vithya Ramraj of Coimbatore broke India's 42-year-old national record in the 400m hurdles at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, clocking 54.75 seconds and winning three medals.