Parul Chaudhary becomes first Indian woman to win 5000m gold at Asian Games

She created another piece of history by also winning silver in women’s 3000m steeplechase.

In an electrifying final of the women’s 5000m race at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, Parul Chaudhary, the Indian track sensation, secured a sensational gold medal. Parul’s race and tactical finish that aided this triumph were nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The race was fiercely competitive right from the start, with Parul initially trailing and it seemed that the chances of a medal were slipping away. As the race progressed, she moved up to the top three and held the second position. However, as the race reached its climax, with Japan’s Ririka Hironaka setting a formidable pace vying for the gold, Parul had a surprise up her sleeve.

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 🥇🇮🇳Parul Chaudhary 🇮🇳 wins the GOLD Medal 🥇 in women's 5000m!! 😎🔥This is Parul's second medal at the Asian Games 2023 following her silver 🥈 win 3000m Steeplechase! 🫡#AsianGames #AsianGames2022 #IndiaAtAsianGames #ParulChaudhary pic.twitter.com/byk8Ivq8Mt

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 3, 2023

As the final 50m approached, Parul unleashed breathtaking afterburners of speed. In a jaw-dropping moment, she overtook her rival, Hironaka, who was momentarily distracted by glancing to her right. Parul’s strategic move to the left caught her opponent off-guard and the crowd erupted in amazement at the sudden shift in momentum. It was a stunning burst of energy that left everyone in awe.

This victory was particularly significant for Parul Chaudhary, as it marked her second medal at the Asian Games. Just days earlier, she had clinched the silver medal in the grueling 3000m steeplechase, which proves her versatility on the track.

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But, it was this final surge in the women’s 5000m event that will be etched in the annals of Indian sports history. With a herculean effort in the last stretch, Parul managed to outpace her competitors and secure the 14th gold medal for team India at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Her strategic pacing as well as the tactical maneuver of overtaking in the final sprint will be remembered as a shining example of top performance under pressure.