Asian Games: Seema Kumari runs into history with 10,000m bronze, ends India’s 16-year wait

India's 16-year wait for a women's 10,000m medal at the Asian Games ended on Thursday as track and field athlete Seema Kumari ran her way to bronze medal in Nagoya.In a race that built slowly before coming alive at the finish, Seema stayed in the medal fight until the final stages. Winfred Yavi and Nozomi Tanaka broke away for a sprint finish to decide gold and silver, while Seema pulled clear of the rest of the field to secure third place.It was India's first women's 10,000m medal at the Asian Games in 16 years, with Seema becoming the latest name to make her mark in the event.Winfred Yavi clinched the gold medal with a time of 32:39.18, while Japan's Nozomi Tanaka finished second in 32:41.54 to take silver. Seema Kumari secured the bronze medal, clocking 32:50.05 in the women's 10,000m final.Asian Games full coverage | Schedule | Medal tallyThis is only the third ever medal for India at this event in the continental games.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.