Parul Chaudhary: From Rural Fields to Asian Games Glory

Parul Chaudhary, a farmer’s daughter from Iklauta village in Meerut, India, never expected to become an athlete. Parul Chaudhary’s Journey began when her father suggested she participate in a school race on a whim. Despite no prior training, Parul won the 800-meter race barefoot, sparking a passion for running.

Her family supported her journey, despite neighbors’ snide remarks. Parul and her sister, Preeti, soon became competitive middle-distance runners. However, Parul consistently outperformed her sister. To avoid rivalry, they chose different race distances, with Parul specializing in the 1500 and 3000 meters.

Parul’s goal was to secure a stable job through sports. She joined Western Railway in 2015 and received advice from former Indian cricketer Diana Edulji, who encouraged her to focus on running. Parul’s dedication paid off when she broke the national record in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the World Championships, securing her place at the Asian Games.

Now, at 28, Parul is in peak form, consistently achieving top-10 timings since May. Parul Chaudhary’s remarkable journey from rural fields to international competitions showcases her determination and potential for future success.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Indian Express