Indian marathoners Barwal, Karkera eye glory at Asian Games 2026

India's distance running contingent will be represented by Sawan Barwal and Kartik Karkera in the men's marathon final at the 2026 Asian Games. The pair have qualified for the showpiece event, setting the stage for an intense competition across the continent's elite runners.

The marathon remains one of athletics' most demanding disciplines, testing competitors' endurance, strategy and mental fortitude over the 42.195-kilometre distance. Both Indian runners will look to deliver strong performances and secure medals for the country.

Barwal and Karkera's selection underscores India's continued investment in developing its distance running programme. The Asian Games provide a crucial platform for Indian athletes to compete against continental rivals and benchmark their progress on the international stage.

The men's marathon final will draw top-class marathoners from across Asia, with several nations fielding strong contingents. The race will be contested under conditions typical of the host nation, with competitors preparing meticulously for factors including terrain, altitude and climate. Indian athletics officials will be monitoring the performances closely as the country builds towards future international competitions.