Shereen Samson Vallabouy ended a 45-year wait for Malaysia’s medal finish in the women’s 400m event at the Asian Games after she came in third on Saturday.

The US-based 25-year-old sprinter, who won gold at the SEA Games earlier this year, clocked 52.58s to finish behind Bahrain duo Oluwakemi Mujidat Adekoya (50.66s) and Salwa Eid Naser (50.92s) in Hangzhou, China.

Malaysia last tasted success in the event in 1978 edition when Saik Oik Cum bagged a gold medal.

It was also the country’s first medal in athletics at the Asian Games since Noraseela Mohd Khalid took home a bronze medal in the women's 400m hurdles event in 2006.