Trailblazing Triumph: Seema Becomes First Indian Woman to Clinch 5000m Medal at World University Games…Read More…
Chengdu, China – July 28, 2025
In a historic moment for Indian athletics, Seema, a rising star from Haryana, has etched her name in the annals of sporting greatness by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the 5000m event at the World University Games. Her sensational performance in Chengdu not only earned her a bronze medal but also inspired an entire generation of aspiring female athletes back home.
The 23-year-old distance runner clocked a personal best time of 15:27.42 to secure third place in a fiercely competitive final that saw runners from Kenya, Japan, and Ethiopia battle it out for supremacy. The stadium roared in applause as Seema crossed the finish line with remarkable determination, making her the first Indian woman ever to reach the podium in this grueling long-distance event at the prestigious Games.
A Journey of Grit and Glory
Seema’s journey to international glory has been anything but easy. Hailing from a modest farming family in the village of Gohana in Haryana’s Sonipat district, she had to overcome numerous social, economic, and cultural barriers to pursue her dream. Running barefoot on dusty village roads during her early years, Seema was often discouraged from participating in sports. But her resolve only grew stronger.
“I used to watch long-distance races on a neighbor’s black-and-white TV and dream of running like that one day,” Seema recalled during a post-race press conference. “There were days when I would train in the early morning before school, and again in the evening after finishing all the chores at home. I knew I had to work harder than anyone else.”
Her talent was first noticed at a state-level school competition when she was just 15. From there, she earned a scholarship to study and train at a sports academy in Rohtak, where professional coaching helped her refine her technique and build endurance. Over the years, she climbed the national ranks with strong showings at the Inter-University Championships and the Federation Cup.
The Race That Made History
The final of the women’s 5000m at the Chengdu Universiade was expected to be a showdown between East African powerhouses and East Asian tacticians. Seema was not initially considered a medal favorite, but she ran a strategically brilliant race. Sticking with the lead pack for the first 3000 meters, she resisted the urge to surge early, preserving energy for the final stretch.
In the last kilometer, as the pace quickened, Seema unleashed a powerful kick that stunned spectators and commentators alike. She overtook Japan’s Ayaka Nishimoto in the final 200 meters to secure third place behind Kenya’s Emily Chebet and Ethiopia’s Tesfanesh Bekele.
“I knew I had to time my move perfectly. I’ve been working on my finishing speed, and today it all came together,” Seema said, smiling through tears of joy.
A Milestone for Indian Athletics
Seema’s bronze marks a monumental milestone for India at the World University Games. While Indian male athletes have occasionally found success in track and field events, the women’s long-distance arena has remained elusive in terms of international medals—until now.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was quick to praise Seema’s achievement. “This is a landmark victory. Seema has broken a long-standing barrier in Indian athletics, and we are incredibly proud of her,” said AFI President Adille Sumariwalla. “This shows that with the right support and perseverance, our athletes can compete with the best in the world.”
Indian Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also took to social media to congratulate her, tweeting, “A proud moment for India! Congratulations to Seema for making history with her bronze in the 5000m at the World University Games. You’ve made the nation proud and inspired countless others!”
More Than Just a Medal
For Seema, the victory is about more than personal success—it is a symbol of hope. Her win has already begun to resonate across India, particularly in rural regions where young girls are often discouraged from pursuing sports.
“After watching Seema didi run, I feel like I can do it too,” said 14-year-old Pooja, an aspiring runner from Jharkhand. “She came from a village like mine. If she can win, maybe one day I can too.”
Seema has already expressed her desire to use her platform to promote athletics among young girls in underprivileged areas. “I want to start a training camp in my village,” she said. “There’s so much talent waiting to be discovered. I want to help them find the opportunities I had to fight so hard for.”
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Seema has set her sights on qualifying for the Paris 2026 European Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her coach, former Olympian Kavita Raut, believes that this is just the beginning. “Seema is still maturing as a runner. With the right exposure and continued international training, she could be a serious contender at the global level.”
As she stood on the podium, bronze medal around her neck and the Indian flag draped over her shoulders, Seema’s eyes scanned the crowd for her coach and teammates. But in that moment, she belonged to an entire nation—one that was witnessing history and dreaming a little bigger because of her.
Her bronze medal may be made of metal, but its impact is pure gold.
Leave a Reply