Kiran Pahal secures Paris spot with second-best 400M timing

On June 27, Kiran Pahal, a 23-year-old athlete from Haryana, achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Competing in the women’s 400m event at the inter-state Athletics Championships in Panchkula, she clocked an impressive time of 50.92 seconds, which not only secured her Olympic berth but also marked a personal best.

Her timing of 50.92 seconds now stands as the second-fastest ever recorded by an Indian woman in the 400m event, trailing only behind Hima Das’s national record of 50.79 seconds. Kiran and Hima are the sole Indian women to have achieved sub-51-second timings in this event, highlighting their significant contributions to Indian athletics.

In Panchkula, Kiran demonstrated a commanding performance in the semifinals, setting a blistering pace that left her competitors trailing behind finish third. Kiran’s dominance throughout the race, particularly evident in the final stretch, showcased her strength and strategic prowess.

Kiran Pahal’s journey to becoming one of India’s top athletes in the 400m event has been marked by consistent progress and unwavering dedication. Her breakthrough came in 2019 at the Ranchi National Open, where she improved her personal best to 52.73 seconds from 55.18 seconds in 2018. This significant improvement earned her a place on the national relay team and marked the beginning of her ascent in Indian athletics.

In 2022, Kiran continued her path to success by clinching the women’s 400m gold at the National Championships. This victory held special meaning as she dedicated it to her late father. Demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest level, she consistently achieved sub-52-second timings, solidifying her position as a top contender in the 400m event.

As Kiran Pahal prepares for the Paris Olympics, her achievements serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes nationwide. Her journey from promising talent to Olympic qualifier exemplifies her perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sport. With her sights set on further accomplishments, Kiran is poised to leave a significant mark on the global athletic stage.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She The People.