Havaldar Yoonus Shah of the Indian Army’s Golden Katar Division earned a bronze medal in the men’s 1500-meter race at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships 2025, held at Gumi Stadium from May 27 to May 31. Shah clocked an impressive time of 3:43.03 seconds to finish third, standing proudly alongside Asia’s best middle-distance runners.
The championship featured athletes from approximately 43 countries, making it one of the largest editions of the event. Shah’s performance was celebrated as a significant achievement for India, especially given the high level of competition on the track. Along with the medal, Shah received a mascot plushie, symbolizing the event’s spirited atmosphere, with prominent global sponsors like Samsung underscoring the event’s international stature.
Hailing from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, Yoonus Shah has emerged as a promising talent in Indian athletics. He previously set a meet record of 3:51.61 minutes in the 1500m at the 2023 Khelo India University Games in Lucknow, showcasing his steady rise in the sport. Shah has expressed his ambition to break the national record of 3:35.24, held by Jinson Johnson since 2019, and aims to win an Olympic medal for India.
The Indian Army warmly congratulated Shah on his success, recognizing his dedication and the honor he brings to both the armed forces and the country. His medal adds to India’s growing reputation in track and field across Asia and is an inspiration to young athletes nationwide.
The 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi concluded on May 31, featuring over 1,300 participants and a variety of cultural events, including an Asian Food Festa. Shah’s bronze medal was among the highlights of India’s performance, signaling a bright future for the nation in international athletics.
