Vithya Ramraj
Vithya Ramraj, born in Coimbatore in 1998, rose from humble roots as a truck driver’s daughter to become India’s premier 400m hurdler. At the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, she ran 54.75 seconds, breaking P.T. Usha’s 1984 national record and securing bronze. Earlier, she had equalled Usha’s mark in 2023. Vithya also won silver in the 4x400m mixed relay and gold in the women’s relay, proving her versatility. Supported by her twin sister Nithya and trained under Nehpal Singh Rathore, she overcame financial struggles and setbacks to inspire a new generation. Her record symbolizes resilience, belief, and India’s athletic progress.
Indians can achieve anything if we believe in ourselves. Even breaking records at the Olympics is possible. We have to believe in ourselves, keep working hard, and make our country proud