It wasn't a personal best. But for Harita Bhadra, who walked into her first senior international competition expecting a podium, it was enough. She leaves Aichi-Nagoya with two bronze medals. One from the 200m, one from the mixed 4x100m relay.
The 200m final was a nail-biter. Singapore’s Shanti Pereira took gold in 22.78s. Bhadra crossed in 23.20s, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Japan’s Abigeirufuka Ido. That is one-hundredth of a second. She didn't even know she had the medal until teammate Unnati Aiyappa pointed to the screen. "You have come third," Aiyappa said. Bhadra realized then.
The relay was where she truly shone. Running the anchor leg, she helped India set a National Record of 41.06 seconds. The team's chemistry, built on trust and regular video calls with coach Rohit Mane, paid off. The last 30 metres of the 200m, a focus area with Mane, was the key to her individual success.
"I don't have to be scared of any of my competitors because, even I'm on the same start line," Bhadra said. Her composure before the race contrasted sharply with the immediate joy after crossing the line. She knows she has more to give. The 23-year-old is already setting her sights on 22.45 seconds and the World Championships.