Clocking Historic 2nd Best Timing In Women's 400M, Kiran Pahal Earns Paris Spot

On June 27, 23-year-old athlete Kiran Pahal from Haryana achieved a significant 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 50.92 seconds. This time not only secured her Olympic qualification but also marked a personal best.

Kiran Pahal's Journey In Athletics 

Kiran's 400m run in 50.92 seconds during the semifinals of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships comfortably surpassed the Olympic qualification mark of 50.95 seconds. This achievement highlights her exceptional talent and dedication. Her performance in Panchkula places her among the elite athletes who have met the stringent standards required for the Olympics.

A Historic Feat in Indian Athletics

Kiran Pahal’s timing of 50.92 seconds is now the second-best ever recorded by an Indian woman in the 400m event. The national record is held by Hima Das, who clocked 50.79 seconds. Remarkably, Kiran and Hima are the only Indian women to have run the 400m in under 51 seconds, representing their significant contributions to Indian athletics.

Exceptional Performance in Panchkula

In the semifinals, Kiran set a blistering pace, leaving her competitors trailing behind. She finished well ahead of Devy Aniba Zala from Gujarat, who came in second with a time of 53.44 seconds, and Kerala’s Sneha K, who clocked 53.51 seconds to finish third. Kiran's dominance in the race was evident as she maintained a strong lead throughout, particularly in the home stretch.

Journey of Progress and Dedication

Kiran Pahal's journey to becoming one of India’s top athletes in the 400m event has been marked by consistent progress and 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 remarkable improvement earned her a spot on the national relay team and marked the beginning of her ascent in Indian athletics.

In 2022, Kiran Pahal continued to work hard towards the path of victory by winning the women’s 400m gold at the National Championships. This victory was particularly poignant for her, as she dedicated it to her late father’s memory. Just a month before the championships, she demonstrated her capability to compete at the highest level by running below 52 seconds, solidifying her status as a top contender in the 400m event.

Looking Ahead to Paris

As Kiran Pahal prepares for the Paris Olympics, her achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country. Her journey from a promising talent to an Olympic qualifier is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and dedication to the sport. With her eyes set on further success, Kiran is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.