Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Indian Athlete To Win Gold In Asian Games History

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with India teammates after winning Gold (Source: AFP Photos)Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made a habit of doing wonderful things at such a young age. And he made history once again, and this time, it went beyond cricket.Sooryavanshi was one of India’s members of Asian Games 2026 squad. They ended up winning the Gold medal by defeating Pakistan in the final.At the age of only 15, Sooryavanshi became the youngest ever athlete from India to win the Gold medal in the Asian Games history. The record was earlier held by Saurabh Choudhary, who won Gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. Back then, he was aged 16.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Also Becomes Second-Youngest Indian Medallist In Asian GamesIn terms of irrespective of any medals, which include Gold, Silver and Bronze, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the second-youngest Indian athlete to grab a medal in the Asian Games.Sooryavanshi is 15 years, six months and 10 days old. The record is held by Sanjana Bathula, who won a Bronze medal in the women’s speed skating 3000m relay event at Hangzhou in 2023 when she was 15 years, three months and 11 days old.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Indian Athlete To Feature In TIME 100 NextEarlier, Vaibhav’s second place was held by Anahat Singh. She had secured a Bronze medal in Squash team event in 2023 at the age of 15 years, six months and 16 days old.Sooryavanshi Fails To Shine In Asian Games FinalNonetheless, the expectations around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was high to deliver in the Asian Games 2026 final, as India’s arch rivals Pakistan were up against them in Japan.However, Sooryavanshi could only manage a 9-ball 15, as Saim Ayub got his wicket in the third over of India’s innings. The Pakistan all-rounder even gave him a stunning send-off to grab more limelights.Still, India ended up winning the Gold medal, as Pakistan finished on 192/6 after India’s 211/6. Hasan Nawaz played a lone battle, scoring 96 off 51 balls, which all went in vain in the end.Also Read: Hasan Nawaz Creates New World Record vs India With Asian Games Final Heroics