Who is Kiran Pahal? Five things to know about India's Paris bound 400m star

Kiran Pahal qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 in June this year.

Kiran Pahal recently made headlines after clocking a 50.92s in women’s 400m event at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana.

She recorded this mark both during the semifinals and the heats of 400m to breach the Olympic qualification time which was set for Paris Olympics 2024. The 400m entry standard for the Paris Olympics 2024 was set at 50.95s.

However, Pahal from Haryana displayed a phenomenal performance at the Senior Athletics Championships, which served as the final qualification tournament for those who were competing to secure their places for the Quadrennial Games. 

With this, Kiran Pahal is all set to represent India in the Paris Olympics in the 400m event. However, despite her recent accomplishments, Pahal will not be competing in the women’s 4x400m relay event.

She was not included in the women’s relay team for the Olympics, as announced by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in their 28-member athletics roster for the competition.

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old has certainly made a name for herself in the Indian track and field domain after her sensational performance at the Nationals. With this, let’s explore more about the promising Indian track athlete.

5) Kiran Pahal didn’t have sponsors and faced financial challenges

In an interview with NNIS Sports, Pahal revealed that she didn’t have sponsors to help her in her competitions. As a result, she faced huge financial issues.

Also Read: Top five performers at National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2024

Following her impressive performance at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2024, she has been selected for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) which assists Indian athletes to prepare for major international events.

4) Kiran Pahal and Hima Das share a great bond

Pahal, who hails from Haryana, mentioned that she shares a great bond with Hima Das, popularly known as Dhing Express. Pahal also disclosed that Das had provided her with financial assistance. The sprinter from Assam helped Pahal in acquiring kits, shoes, spikes, supplements, and more.

3) Kiran Pahal’s father played a huge role in her Athletics career

Kiran Pahal’s father, Om Prakash, who passed away in 2022 due to a persistent lung issue, was very supportive of her athletics career. He always found ways to support her financially without letting her know where he borrowed money from. Om Prakash’s death took a huge toll on Kiran’s mental health.

2) Kiran Pahal is second-fastest Indian athlete in women’s 400m

With her exploits at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, Pahal achieved another incredible feat by becoming the second-quickest Indian athlete over the 400m event.

She only trails behind Hima Das, who holds the national record with a 50.79s which she established at the Asian Games 2018 held in Jakarta.

1) Kiran Pahal is a four-time National Champion

Before claiming the national title at the Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, the quarter-miler had previously won national titles thrice. She won it for the first time while being a member of the 4x400m relay team at the Indian Open Championships in 2019 in Ranchi.

She bagged her second national title being a crucial member of the 4x400m relay team at the 2021 National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala.

Her third national title came in the individual 400m race at the 2022 National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Chennai, where she clocked a 52.47 to win the gold.

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