Interview/ Victory dash that enthralled India: Inspiring story of Parul Chaudhary, Asian Games gold medallist

Parul Chaudhary of ‘Eklauta Gaanv’ in Uttar Pradesh fulfilled her golden dream in the Asian Games 2022 being held in Hangzhou, China with a gold medal in the 5000m run and a silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase. In the 5000m run event, the chances of grabbing a bronze were looking grim but destiny had some other plans for the Indian athlete. At 4975m Parul took everyone’s breath away with her remarkable sprint towards the endline. 

When asked what it was that made her last 30m dash the most memorable one, she said, “At that moment I just thought that if I bag this gold, nothing can stop me from becoming a DSP.”

Parul Chaudhary fulfills lifelong dream at Asian Games

Coming from a close-knit joint family, Parul’s victory is big for her family, friends and the nation, as this Asian Games marks Bharat’s entry in the 100 medal club. 

Recounting her days of struggle and preparations, Parul reminisces how she had been preparing for this gold win since her childhood. The athlete further shared how she walked 3 kilometres daily to board a local bus to go to practice, coached after school and sometimes even did all the household work.  

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 in Women's 5000m at #HangzhouAsianGames with a thrilling last-gasp push 🤯🙌 

The #TeamIndia athlete overtook 🇯🇵's Ririka Horonaka in the final few seconds to secure 🔝 spot 🤩 #AsianGames2023 #Athletics #Cheer4India #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/WKqFT39d5j

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV)

While the glitter of her gold is evident in her eyes as she speaks, the memories of the struggles of a sportsperson from a rural background with limited resources mixed with the pride of overcoming those limitations speak for themselves. 

As the Republic team entered Parul’s village decorated for their ‘gaanv ki beti’, a sea of people was spotted eagerly waiting to accord a grand welcome and have a glimpse of the Asian Games star. Tired yet smiling, the champion’s endurance shone even through her weariness. “I believe in the power of hard work, persistence, and a never-give-up attitude. I want all girls and women to dream big and go places,” she said. 

After a silver win a day before and a little exhausted with just a three-hour-long sleep, nothing could stop Parul’s Golden victory gallop at the Asian Games 2022. Now that she has bagged medals and a promising future as a Deputy Superintendent of Police, all eyes are for an Olympic medal win by the Uttar Pradesh girl, who promises to incorporate many women welfare schemes.

“The government does a fantastic job of supporting athletes. All of the athletes have access to such good facilities, making us feel as though we could win medals. I am overjoyed that we are bringing home medals for India. After I become a DSP, I'll start by doing positive work for my community," Parul made a promise.