MP’s Samardeep clinches silver, qualifies for 2026 Asian Games

Bhopal: Samardeep Singh of the Madhya Pradesh State Athletics Academy clinched the silver medal in the men’s shot put at the 65th National Inter‑State Senior Athletics Championship here on Saturday, registering a season‑best effort of 20.40 m.The podium finish, produced during the evening session on the fourth day of the championships, not only earned Samardeep second place but also secured his spot on India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games after he cleared the qualifying mark.The performance underlined the athlete’s steady progression and added another notable result to Madhya Pradesh’s growing medal ledger at national meets.Samardeep, who trains under the state academy’s coaching cadre, delivered a composed series of throws before unleashing the 20.40m effort that proved decisive.

Competitors from other states pushed the contest into a competitive late stage, but Samardeep’s final mark held up to claim silver.The result has been hailed as a boost for Madhya Pradesh’s athletics programme. State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang extended his congratulations, lauding the consistent showing by athletes from the state at national and international events.“Samardeep’s achievement reflects the sustained investment in training infrastructure and coaching at our state academies,” Sarang said, while expressing confidence that the athlete will aim to bring laurels at the Asian Games.

Coaches and sports administrators described the silver-medal performance as an inspiring example for young athletes across the state. They emphasized that disciplined training, meticulous technique work and perseverance played key roles in Samardeep’s development and recent success.The National Inter‑State Senior Athletics Championship, running through the week, has served as a selection and qualification platform for continental competitions, producing several athletes who met qualifying standards for the 2026 Asian Games.Samardeep’s qualification adds to a growing list of hopefuls from across the country seeking to represent India on the Asian stage later this year.