"Discover KM Chanda: The Rising Star of Asian Games"

KM Chanda, a 22-year-old athlete from a rural village in Uttar Pradesh, India, is set to make a name for herself on the international stage at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Her journey from an ordinary village with minimal sports facilities to becoming a competitive runner is nothing short of remarkable.

Chanda’s introduction to athletics was a stroke of fate. In her school, which lacked proper sports equipment, students were asked to choose an event for the zonal sports meet. She opted for running, and to everyone’s surprise, she excelled at it. Her talent blossomed when she won gold in the 800m race at the 2019 National School Championships, using sports shoes given to her by her teachers.

However, Chanda’s family faced financial hardships due to her father’s health issues, and sending her to train in the city seemed impossible. Her life took a turn when Kulbir Singh, an athletics coach from Delhi, recognized her potential and offered support. Singh helped her find accommodation in the city and covered her training expenses.

Adapting to city life was challenging for Chanda, who hailed from a small village. Nevertheless, she persevered, and her dedication paid off as she continued to excel in track events, focusing on the 800m and 1,500m races. She won multiple gold medals and established her dominance in these events.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Scroll