Who is Parvej Khan? All you need to know about Indian athlete

Published at :March 22, 2024 at 12:20 AM

Modified at :May 10, 2024 at 9:14 PM

(Courtesy : X)

Parvej Khan’s remarkable journey from adversity to athletic triumph has inspired many youngsters.

One of the most challenging collegiate championships in the world, the NCAA Championships of the United States saw the first Indian to make it to the final of a track event on March 9. Parvej Khan, the gold medallist from the National Games, created history by finishing seventh with a time of 4.03.05 seconds. He also finished third in the preliminary race with a time of 3.57.12 seconds.

In Boston, Parvej Khan, racing for the University of Florida finished with a quick burst of speed in third position and secured a berth in the final. Tejaswin Shankar, Mohinder Singh Gill and Vikas Gowda are three notable Indian track and field athletes who have competed in the NCAA Championships and won gold in the discus throw, triple jump and high jump. It is now Parvej Khan’s turn to show his mettle.

Here’s all you need to know about the 19-year-old athlete who is making waves in the International arena.

Journey as a young athlete

In the rustic village of Chahalka nestled about 50 kilometers south of New Delhi, a budding athlete was born to farmer parents. Inspired by his early successes in local races, Khan, driven by a thirst for better opportunities, embarked on a journey to New Delhi at the age of 13. He was fueled by the promise of superior training facilities and professional coaching at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Pursuit of Excellence

After a year of rigorous training in Delhi, Khan’s quest for excellence led him to the Sports Authority Of India (SAI) in Bhopal, where he honed his skills under the guidance of coach Anupama Srivastava. His dedication bore fruit as he clinched third place in the U-18 Khelo India Games in 2020 following his gold medal triumph in the 800m at the U-16 nationals in Mangalgiri the year prior.

Triumphs and Trials

Undeterred by setbacks, Khan’s resilience shone through as he secured victory in the 1500m at the Open National Championships in Warrangal in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his fledgling career. However, an injury prompted him to reassess his trajectory, leading him to explore opportunities abroad for specialized training.

International Aspirations

Recognizing the need for world-class facilities to propel his athletic journey, Parvej Khan set his sights on the Olympic training institute in Colorado, USA. With the support of a Moroccan friend and coach, he seized the opportunity to join a college team in the USA, heralding a new chapter in his pursuit of sporting excellence on the global stage.

The one-mile run remains unpopular among Indian athletes and is absent from both the Olympic and World Championships. Khan’s remarkable performance not only captured global attention but also left an indelible mark on the sport.

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