India adds three bronze medals on Day 2 of Asian U23 Athletics Championships

India claimed three bronze medals on the second day of the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, with middle-distance runners leading the country's charge on Friday.

Shakeel opened India's account by securing bronze in the men's 800m after clocking 1:48.78. His compatriot Vinod Kumar B narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth with a time of 1:49.10.

Bhumeshwory Devi Huidrom added another bronze in the women's 800m, crossing the finish line in 2:10.20. Vaishnavi Rajendra Rawal, India's second entrant in the event, finished fifth after clocking 2:10.83.

Abhay Singh scripts sprint milestone

Abhay Singh earned India's third bronze medal of the day in the men's 200m, finishing in 20.96 to become the country's first individual sprint medallist at the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships.

The three podium finishes added to India's medal tally after a successful opening day, where the contingent won four medals, including gold in the mixed 4x400m relay.

With several track and field events still to be contested, India will look to continue its strong showing at the continental Under-23 championships as athletes aim for more podium finishes over the remaining days of competition.

India had made an impressive start to the competition on Thursday, winning gold in the mixed 4x400m relay through Astik Pradhan, Sandramol Sabu, Setu Mishra and Shravani Sachin Sangle.

The country also secured silver and bronze in the men's 5,000m through Shivaji Parashuram and Vinod Singh respectively, while Prachi Ankush Devkar and Bhartpreet Singh claimed bronze medals in the women's 3,000m steeplechase and men's discus throw.

With multiple track and field events still to be contested, India will look to add to its medal tally in the remaining days of the continental Under-23 championships.