Vithya Ramraj, a rising star in Indian athletics, hails from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Born in 1998, this three-time National Champion is an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young women
Early Life
Vithya Ramraj, born on 20 September 1998, hails from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. She comes from a humble background; her father is a truck driver, and her mother, Meena, is a homemaker. Vithya has an identical twin, Nithya, who is also an athlete. Vithya’s journey into sports began early, influenced by her mother’s determination to ensure her daughters’ independence and career success. Both sisters initially played hockey before their mother enrolled them in the Erode Girls Sports School for Class 7. Vithya later earned her BBA degree from Kongu Arts and Science College, Erode (2016-2019), on a sports scholarship provided by the KVIT Trust, Perundurai, receiving substantial support from the college management and faculty.
Career Beginnings and Development
Vithya started her athletic career participating in 100m and 200m sprint events. However, in 2017, she decided to focus on the 400m hurdles, though she continues to compete in both 100m and 400m events. Her dedication and versatility in these events have marked her as a significant competitor in Indian athletics.
Achievements and Notable Performances
Vithya is a three-time National champion, demonstrating consistent excellence in her sport. At the 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, she showcased her prowess by equalling the Indian national record of 55.42 seconds in the 400m hurdles, a record previously set by P. T. Usha at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Vithya secured a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles on October 3, 2023, further solidifying her reputation.
In addition to her individual achievements, Vithya contributed to the success of the Indian 4x400m mixed relay team, winning a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games. The team included Muhammad Ajmal Variyathodi, Rajesh Ramesh, and Subha Venkatesan. This victory highlighted her ability to perform exceptionally well in team events, demonstrating her versatility and teamwork skills.
https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/ramraj-vithya-14776046
current world ranking positions
| Discipline | Current Place | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s 400mH | 76 | 1168 |
| Women’s 400m | 206 | 1113 |
| Women’s Overall Ranking | 1422 | 1171 |
highest world ranking positions
| Discipline | Place | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s 400mH | 34 | 22.0 |
| Women’s 100mH | 125 | 3.0 |
| Women’s 400m | 139 | NaN |
| Women’s Overall Ranking | 679 | 1.0 |
Personal Bests
Participation in Major Events
Throughout 2023, Vithya participated in several key tournaments:
- 15–17 May 2023: Competed in 100m and 100m hurdles at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi, India.
- 17 June 2023: Participated in the 4x100m relay at the Indian Championships, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, India.
- 13 July 2023: Competed in 100m hurdles at the Asian Athletics Championships, Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand.
- 30 July 2023: Took part in 4x400m relay and 4x400m mixed relay at Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium, Diyagama, Sri Lanka.
- 10-11 September 2023: Competed in 400m and 400m hurdles at the Indian Grand Prix 5, Chandigarh, India.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Vithya’s journey has been shaped by her family’s support and her personal drive. She works with Indian Railways, balancing her career and athletic aspirations. Reflecting on her journey, Vithya shared, “We are three sisters, and my mother faced a lot of negativity. People often asked her how we would manage with only girls. So she got the two of us started in sports—for her, that was the only path to a career and independence.”
Looking Ahead: Olympics and Beyond
Vithya Ramraj has qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, an achievement that underscores her talent and hard work. As she prepares for this prestigious event, her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of determination and the importance of family support in achieving one’s dreams.
Also read- https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/