Jharkhand’s Asha Kiran Barla clinched silver in the 800m at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 in Spain. India finished 17th, celebrating five medals in total.
DESK – Asha Kiran Barla of Jharkhand made history by clinching the silver medal in the girls’ 800 meters at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023, with a time of 2:04:99.
The remarkable achievement marks Asha as the first athlete from Jharkhand to win a medal at the Games.
She finished second to England’s Phoebe Gill, who set a new Commonwealth Youth Games record with a time of 2:02.30.
India’s impressive performance on the final day of competition, with three medals in athletics—a silver and two bronze—helped the nation conclude the eight-day Games at the 17th place in the medal standings.
Alongside Asha, Pooja earned the bronze in the girls’ high jump, and Arjun secured third in the boys’ javelin throw with a distance of 65.94 meters.
On August 7, swimmer Shoan Ganguly added to India’s tally with a silver medal in the boys’ 400-meter individual medley. Sasi Anupriya contributed a bronze in the girls’ shot put, bringing the total medal count for the team of 12 boys and 12 girls to five.
Asha’s second-place finish in the event, just behind England’s Gill, and ahead of Australia’s Fleur Cooper, who won the bronze, has been celebrated by sports enthusiasts and instructors alike.
Her achievement is a testament to the talent in Jharkhand’s girls, who continue to bring honor to their state in the global sports arena.
Asha’s silver medal-winning performance saw her fight back in the final seconds, overtaking competitors from England, Uganda, Kenya, and Australia.
Earlier, she had claimed the top spot in the semifinals and was predicted to finish first in the championship game.
The young athlete’s contribution to India’s performance at the Commonwealth Youth Games has left a significant impression and is a proud moment for the nation.
