Chaudhary hails from Iklauta Village near Meerut. She is one of four children of Krishanpal Chaudhary and Rajesh Devi. As a teenager, Parul ran barefoot and competed in the 800 metres at her school starting in 2011. She later switched to the 1500 m and 3000 m events before focusing on the 5000 m.

Her performance in the 5000 m event helped her secure a job with the Western Railway in 2015, prompting her move to Mumbai.

Career

In July 2023, Chaudhary won gold in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Athletics Championships held in Bangkok. In August, she set a personal best and national record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:15.31 at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. This achievement qualified her for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023, she claimed gold in the 5000 m event and silver in the 3000 m steeplechase.

Awards

Chaudhary received the Arjuna Award in 2023. She was also named in Forbes India’s 30 under-30 list for 2024 and won the Aces Sportswoman of the Year award for 2024.

Parul Chaudhary continues to be a prominent figure in Indian athletics, with significant achievements marking her career. Her journey from running barefoot to setting national records is an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.