Indian athlete Parul Chaudhary, a specialist in the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m track events, is gearing up for the Paris Olympic Games and will participate in both disciplines. Born in 1995 in Uttar Pradesh, Parul hails from a humble background and has faced numerous hardships on her journey to becoming an Olympian. With immense family support, she has carved out a name for herself in Indian athletics.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Parul shared insights into her preparations. “The preparations are going good, and hopefully, I will do well in Paris,” she told RevSportz. “I have had quite an intense schedule in these last few weeks. For the last three months, I have been training in Colorado, USA. Last week, I came back to India for the inter-state meet and will be in Hungary for another competition.
“After Hungary, we will shift base to Switzerland and train there for 15 days before reaching the Games Village one week before my event.”
Reflecting on her triumph at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she won a gold medal in the 5000m, Parul admitted that the prospect of securing a position as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Uttar Pradesh government was a significant motivator. “Yes, that was an added motivation for me to run like that in the 5000m final,” she said, adding that, while running the final lap, she psyched herself up by repeating these words in her mind: “Parul, tujhe DSP banna hai (Parul, you have to be the DSP).”
“Now I have already received the joining letter,” she said. “I will join after Paris. This was a dream come true moment for me.” She thanked the UP Government for recognising her efforts – she also won a silver in 3000m steeplechase in Hangzhou.
Parul’s journey began in her school days, motivated by her father to participate in an 800m race. Running barefoot, she won the race, which led to her enrolment in a sports academy. “It was difficult for me during my childhood because girls were not allowed to go out and play,” she said. “Now, people are inspired by me. Everyone in my village is now happy that I have achieved this feat (To be Olympian and Asian Games champion).”
Discussing her preparation, especially for events like the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m, Parul highlighted the high-intensity endurance training required. “Both are very difficult events to compete in,” she said. “They are high-intensity endurance sports which require a lot of hard work.
“We have long training sessions followed by gym sessions. We have separate high-endurance training sessions in high-altitude areas to increase breathing ability. Two weeks before any event, we start preparing for rapid dash to increase our speed. We can’t miss a session because that’ll lead to a break of momentum.”
Parul also emphasised the importance of mental health in her sport. “Not only in my sport, but in every sport, mental health is of utmost importance,” she said. “There are instances where an athlete will lose a competition though physically fit, but because they couldn’t manage to handle pressure well.”
Sleep and family time is what keeps her mentally fit. “To keep myself mentally fit, I don’t do anything extra but keep to the basics,” she said. “I spend family time as much as possible and sleep whenever I can because after training. It’s really tiring, and sleep is of utmost importance.”
Over the years, life has changed significantly for Parul. “People have started recognising me,” she said. “Wherever I go, I get recognised. It motivates me to perform even more. I don’t know about results in Paris, but I will give my best efforts. This is my first Olympics, and I am ready to make a mark.”
As Parul heads to Paris, her journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of perseverance, family support, and unwavering dedication to one’s dreams.
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From barefoot 800m in school to 5000m in the Olympics, the journey has been tough.
Listen to #ParulChaudhary‘s inspiring story of taking up sports as a woman from a remote village.
How difficult is competing in two high endurance events like the 3000m… pic.twitter.com/XS6ZbSLqnp
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