India retain Asia-Oceania 24-Hour Championship title

India produced the finest performance in its ultrarunning history by retaining the Asia-Oceania 24-Hour Championship title at the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) event in Hirosaki, Japan.

The Indian men's team not only defended its crown but also delivered a clean sweep of the individual podium while setting a new Asia-Oceania team record.

Leading the charge was Amar Singh Devanda, who won gold after covering 282.881 km in 24 hours, setting a new Indian national record. His effort currently stands as the best men's 24-hour performance recorded anywhere in the world in 2026. Geeno Antony secured silver with 272.894 km, while Saurav Kumar Ranjan completed the podium with a bronze-medal performance of 260.058 km.

The Indian men's team amassed a combined distance of 815.833 km to claim team gold and establish a new championship record. The total is the highest ever achieved by an Asian nation at any IAU Championship. Japan finished second with 754.726 km, while Australia took bronze with 732.525 km.

Tenzin Dolma Sets National Record as Women Claim Bronze

India also secured a podium finish in the women's team competition, earning bronze with a combined distance of 667.722 km. Tenzin Dolma spearheaded the effort, covering 228.939 km to finish fourth overall and set a new Indian national record. Japan won women's team gold, while Australia claimed silver.

The championship proved historic for Indian ultrarunning, with national records falling in both the men's and women's categories and eight of the 11 Indian athletes registering personal best performances.

India's success also marked a third consecutive Asia-Oceania team title after triumphs in 2022 and 2024, further cementing the country's rise as a major force in endurance running.