Parul Chaudhary, Preeti Lamba win silver, bronze in women's 3000m steeplechase at Asian Games 2023

Parul and Preeti brought double medal delight for India.

In a spectacular display of athleticism, Parul Chaudhary representing India, clinched the silver medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 on Monday. Parul finished with a time of 9 minutes and 27.63 seconds, behind reigning world champion Yavi Winfred Mutile of Bahrain, shattering the games record with a stunning timing of 9 minutes and 18.28 seconds.

Parul Chaudhary continued India’s fine form at the ongoing Asian Games 2023 with a silver medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase event. Chaudhary took home the silver medal. Meanwhile, compatriot Preeti returned with the bronze medal with a personal best timing of 9 minutes and 43.32 seconds. With Parul and Preeti's medals, India created history in this event, becoming the only country to win double medals in this event. Also, India have won a medal in every edition of the Asian Games since this event's debut.

Priti was fourth till the last lap, but with her pace and long strides, she overtook the Bahrain athlete to secure the bronze medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase just behind her compatriot and Asian champion Parul Chaudhary. The steeplechaser duo gave fine performances to finish on the podium.

Chaudhary, who had previously clinched a gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship, shattered an impressive national record of 9 minutes and 15.31 seconds in the women's 3000m steeplechase event at the Budapest World Athletics Championship 2023 finals to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Parul Chaudhary is one of the best female steeplechasers in Asia.

Parul and Preeti's extraordinary silver and bronze medals not only added to India’s impressive medal tally at the Hangzhou Asian Games but also affirmed the country as a formidable force in the world of steeplechase athletics. Both of them did a strategic shift in racing tactics and their unwavering determination have not only made history but also inspired a nation.