From Nearly Quitting to Another Asian Games: Anu Raghavan's Return to the Track

Xtratime Webdesk: Anu Raghavan's athletics career has seen enough setbacks to make anyone question how long they can keep going. At one stage, the Indian 400m hurdler herself considered walking away from the sport. Yet, years later, she is preparing for another Asian Games appearance at the age of 33.

Raghavan's career has included major performances as well as difficult phases away from the spotlight. She won silver at the 2017 Asian Championships and finished fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 Asian Games. Her position was later upgraded to bronze after Bahrain's Kemi Adekoya was disqualified following a doping case. But the result did not come with the usual medal ceremony or podium experience.

Away from the track, Raghavan also dealt with financial challenges, limited sponsorship and the loss of her mother. The uncertainty surrounding her career eventually became difficult to handle, and the idea of quitting athletics crossed her mind.

A conversation with a mindset coach, however, helped her reconsider that decision. Instead of focusing only on results, she was encouraged to remember why she had started running in the first place. That shift in perspective gave her another reason to continue.

Her latest comeback has again tested that resolve. An elbow dislocation at the Federation Cup put her Asian Games hopes under pressure. She returned to competition and clocked 56.54 seconds at the Indian Championships, her fastest time of the season, to strengthen her case for selection.

Now, Raghavan heads into the 2026 Asian Games with another opportunity to compete on the continental stage. For an athlete who once thought about ending her journey, simply reaching another Asian Games is significant. But Raghavan will now be looking to turn that return into a performance that adds another meaningful chapter to her career.