Bhubaneswar: Odia sprinter Astik Pradhan stole the show as India won the gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay event at the Asian U-23 Athletics Championships, currently underway in Ordos, China.
The quartet of Pradhan, Sandra Mol Sabu, Sethu Mishra and Shravani Sachin Sangle clocked 3:18.64 to clinch the top spot in the event.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo congratulated the entire team on their achievement.
In a post on X, he said: “I am especially proud that Odisha’s Astik Pradhan was part of this victorious squad – a shining example of our state’s growing contribution to national sporting excellence. May this triumph inspire them to keep soaring higher, bringing honour to the nation and pride to Odisha.”
Apart from the gold medal, India bagged one silver and three bronze medals on the opening day of the championships.
A total of 53 athletes are representing India at the championships.
