Seema Kumari Returns to Chamba with Bronze Medal from Asian Games

Chamba, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Seema Kumari, a talented runner, has returned to her hometown of Chamba after winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10,000 meters at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya. She completed the race in 32 minutes and 50.05 seconds. Her homecoming was marked by a grand welcome from the local community.

In an interview with reporters, Seema shared her joy, saying, “When athletes from other states arrive at the airport, their entire village gathers to welcome them with music and celebration. I experienced a similar honor upon returning to Chamba. I have never been welcomed like this before, and it inspires me to strive for more. I want to thank everyone, especially those who organized this event. Sanjeev Suri, the principal of Rising Star School, has been with us since 2017.”

Reflecting on her journey, she recalled winning a bronze medal at the Youth Asia Championships in 2017, where she was first honored by Kapil Bhaiya, Manoj Kumar Manu, and Sanjeev Suri. “Today, many people in Chamba and Himachal know me. After this medal, I have received immense love from people across India. I am grateful to all, but I feel the need to win a gold medal for my country. I am not fully satisfied with this bronze,” she stated.

Seema credited her success to many supporters, highlighting the role of the Athletics Federation of India, SAI, and TOPS, which have provided excellent training opportunities, including sessions in the U.S. with Olympic and World Champion athletes.

She also expressed her longing to reunite with her mother, acknowledging her significant influence on her achievements. “I can never repay my mother’s kindness. If she feels proud because of me, that brings me immense joy. My late father would have also been proud, but the pride of my fellow Chamba residents is the greatest joy I could ask for.”