World Athletics Championships: Parul Chaudhary aims for glory in 3000m steeplechase final

The 3000m steeplechase final for women at the World Championships in Budapest is ushering in a touch of Indian essence, amidst a primarily African forte. The athlete, Parul Chaudhary from Meerut, India, is slated to run shoulder to shoulder with distance running luminaries like Faith Cherotich, Beatrice Chepkoech, Jackline Chepkoech hailing from Kenya, Sembo Almayew, Zerfe Wondemagegn, and Lomi Muleta from Ethiopia, and Peruth Chemutai from Uganda. The race is scheduled for Sunday in Budapest.

Making history, Parul ascended to be the second Indian female contender to secure a place in the concluding round of a track event at the World Athletics Championships. She achieved this milestone by securing the fifth position in her 3000m steeplechase heat.

Prior to Parul’s ground-breaking achievement, Lalita Babar was the one who etched her name in the records – being the first Indian woman final runner in a 3000m steeplechase race. This prideful narrative of Indian sportswomen shows a promising trajectory for future athletes who are breaking barriers and norms in the world athletics space.

“She (Parul) has shown consistent progress in the last two years. High-altitude training in Colorado has improved her aerobic strength,” Parul’s coach Scott Simmons was quoted as saying to the Times of India (TOI).

Apart from the Steeplechase Final, India also have chances in two more sports. Neeraj Chopra, D P Manu, Kishore Jena will take part in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final from 11:45PM IST.

India will fight in the Men’s 4x400m Relay Final. Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh are the participants.