Asian Athletes of Indian Descent Won Medals
Several standout performers of Indian origin secured major victories at the 2026 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Track & Field
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Athletes of Indian origin delivered impressive performances at the 2026 Asian Games in Hangzhou, capturing gold and silver medals. The success spans multiple disciplines, including track and field, badminton, and squash.
Why it matters
These achievements reflect the rising prominence of athletes of Indian descent across the international sports arena. Their success highlights the diverse sporting talent developing within the Asian region and underscores the dedication required to compete at the highest levels.
Shanthi Pereira clocked 22.78 seconds to claim gold in the 200m sprint, ending a 49-year wait for a Singaporean track and field medal. Additionally, Sivasangari Subramaniam solidified her elite standing with a current World No. 5 squash ranking.
The players
Shanthi Pereira
She is a top-tier sprinter from Singapore who has broken historical medal droughts for her country.
Sivasangari Subramaniam
She is a high-ranking Malaysian squash player who developed her competitive skills in local clubs.
Thinaah Muralitharan
At age 28, she is a dedicated badminton player who learned Mandarin to improve communication with her doubles partner.
Pearly Tan
She is a professional badminton player who partners with Thinaah Muralitharan in major international competitions.
The details
Shanthi Pereira secured both 200m gold and 100m silver, while Sivasangari Subramaniam successfully qualified for the Olympic singles squash event. In badminton, Thinaah Muralitharan and Pearly Tan secured a win over fellow competitors Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
Timeline
Shanthi Pereira clocked her 22.78s time on Sunday in September 2026.
Sivasangari Subramaniam previously competed at the U15 British Juniors in 2012.
Season Trajectory
Shanthi Pereira's victory ends a 49-year wait for a Singapore track and field medal, signaling a massive shift in regional competitive balance. This performance elevates the profile of Southeast Asian athletics heading into future Olympic qualification cycles.
Sivasangari Subramaniam's qualification for the Olympic singles squash event guarantees her a spot in the upcoming Games. Meanwhile, the badminton results reflect a critical shift in the doubles rankings for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
These victories demonstrate that rigorous athletic training and commitment can overcome long-standing historical barriers in sport. Aspiring athletes can draw inspiration from these professionals who balanced heritage and national representation to achieve global recognition.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international competition on the Track & Field section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Indian Express.
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