Asian Games: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces Rs. 30 Lakh award for Vithya Ramraj after winning bronze

Vithya Ramraj won the Bronze Medal in the 400 M hurdles at the Asian Games in Japan on Monday. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

Vithya Ramraj added to India’s medal tally by securing the bronze medal in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Asian Games in Japan, bringing further recognition to Tamil Nadu’s sporting community.

The 28-year-old athlete from Coimbatore completed the final in 54.75 seconds, registering a personal best and setting a new national record and also breaking the previous national record set by P.T. Usha in the year 1984.

Vithya Ramraj had won bronze in the same event at the 2022 Asian Games. She has additionally represented India in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay subsequently announced a prize of ₹30 lakh in recognition of her achievement. In an Instagram post he said, “My heartfelt congratulations and congratulations to Athlete Vithya Ramraj for winning bronze medal in Women’s 400-meter obstacle category and making Tamil Nadu and India proud in the Asian Games in Japan.”

“It is even more special that India’s famous athlete Mrs. P.T. Usha has broken the national record in 1984 by 42 years later by Vithya Ramraj and now set a new national record.” He further added.

“I wish athlete Vithya Ramraj continuously achieving many achievements!” he concluded.