Ravanni Valasanaini Wins Bronze Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Women's 1500m T11
Ravanni Valasanaini secured a bronze medal for India in the Women's 1500m T11 para athletics event at the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on October 19, 2026. She achieved a personal best of 5:41.85s and was awarded the medal after a competitor's disqualification.
Indian para-athlete Ravanni Valasanaini proudly claimed a bronze medal in the Women's 1500m T11 event at the ongoing 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya today, October 19, 2026. Her remarkable performance saw her clock a new personal best time of 5:41.85s at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Rinku Hooda Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Javelin Men's F46.
The path to the podium for Valasanaini, guided by Rahul Balakrishna, was marked by a dramatic turn of events. She initially finished fourth in the hotly contested final, but was elevated to the bronze medal position following the disqualification of her compatriot, Rakshitha Raju. Raju, who had originally secured third place, was disqualified under Rule 6.9, which addresses non-compliance concerning clothing, shoes, and bibs.
Race Overview
The Women's 1500m T11 final, held on the opening day of medal events for athletics, showcased intense competition among Asia's top visually impaired runners. China dominated the top two spots with Shanshan He clinching the gold medal with a new Games Record of 4:41.19s, followed by her compatriot Zengli Huang, who secured silver with a personal best of 4:55.54s.
Valasanaini's bronze adds to India's burgeoning medal tally on what has been a successful opening day for the contingent at the Games. The event was keenly watched, with the final taking place around 8:03 PM JST (UTC+09:00) on Monday. Soumya Kumar Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Women's 1500m T12/T13.
Key Race Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Women's 1500m T11 Final |
| Athlete | Ravanni Valasanaini (India) |
| Guide | Rahul Balakrishna |
| Medal | Bronze |
| Time | 5:41.85s (Personal Best) |
| Date | Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| Estimated Time | 8:03 PM JST (UTC+09:00) |
| Venue | Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan |
| Competition | 5th Asian Para Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) |
Medalists in Women's 1500m T11
- Gold: Shanshan He (China) - 4:41.19s (Games Record)
- Silver: Zengli Huang (China) - 4:55.54s (Personal Best)
- Bronze: Ravanni Valasanaini (India) - 5:41.85s (Personal Best)
This medal marks a significant achievement for Ravanni Valasanaini and further highlights India's strong start at the Asian Para Games, demonstrating the nation's growing prowess in para athletics. The Games continue until October 24, with more exciting events anticipated across various disciplines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).