National Inter-State Athletics 2024: Kiran Pahal Breaches Paris Olympic Qualification Mark With A Stunning 50.92 seconds

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Kiran Pahal delivered a standout performance at the National Inter State Athletics Championships 2024 in Panchkula, clocking an impressive 50.92 seconds in the women's 400m semifinal on Thursday (June 27).

This timing not only surpassed the Paris Olympic qualification mark of 50.95 seconds but also marked the second fastest timing ever recorded by an Indian in this event, following Hima Das's national record of 50.79 seconds set at the Asian Games 2018.

Pahal's exceptional timing also eclipsed Hima Das's Meet Record of 51.13 seconds, achieved during the semifinals of the women's 400m event. Her performance has now positioned her as a prime contender to break the national record in the upcoming final, scheduled for Thursday evening.

Remarkably, this was Kiran Pahal's first competition of the season, as she had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The Haryana athlete, who has previously been part of the Indian national camp but is currently competing independently, showcased her resilience and determination.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "I have been struggling with a hamstring injury since the beginning of the season, and that's why I missed the Federation Cup (two months ago) and also the Indian Grand Prix (last month). But I had to compete here because this was the last chance."

Pahal credited her focus and her coach's guidance for her remarkable performance. "I wasn't thinking about the timing. My coach instructed me to run with all my might and try to breach the Olympic qualification mark, and I focused on that," she explained. Her disciplined approach and sheer determination paid off, making her a crucial aspect for the women's and mixed relay 4x400m teams.

However, despite her stunning performance, it remains uncertain if Pahal will be included in the relay squads. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) maintains a strict policy of only allowing national campers in the relay squads, due to past incidents involving doping among non-campers.

This policy aims to safeguard the integrity of the team and avoid instances similar to Nirmala Sheoran's doping offence in 2019, which cost India two gold medals at the Asian Athletics Championships 2017.

Results of the Women's 400m Semifinal Heats

Heat 1:

• Subha Venkatesan - 53.08 seconds

• Dandi Jyothika Sri - 53.17 seconds

• Prachi - 53.61 seconds

• Summy - 55.19 seconds

• Manisha Kumari - 58.39 seconds

• Swathi Rongali - DNF

• Anankha B A - DNS

• Sonia Baishya - DNS

Heat 2:

• Kiran Pahal - 50.92 seconds

• Devyaniba Zala - 53.44 seconds

• Sneha K - 53.51 seconds

• Antakshri - 54.01 seconds

• Aishwarya Mishra - 54.12 seconds

• Rupal - 54.26 seconds

• Sinchal - 55.11 seconds

• R Vithya Ramraj - DQ

Heat 3:

• Deepanshi - 52.12 seconds

• Neeru Phatak - 53.26 seconds

• Jisna Mathew - 53.53 seconds

• Kunja Rajitha - 53.71 seconds