Fight with family, financial struggles and injuries: Quartermiler Kiran Pahal overcomes hurdles to qualify for Paris Olympics
There was almost a sense of disbelief on Kiran Pahal’s face as her 400m timing flashed on the big screen at the Tau Lal Devi Stadium, Panchkula, where the Interstate Athletics Meet is underway.
Kiran’s reaction was fully justified. The Haryana athlete, competing in her first competition after a break of over a year, clocked a solid 50.92s – the second-best quarter-mile run ever by an Indian after Hima Das’s 50.79s.
“I was nervous since I was competing after a long break but a good performance in the heats (52.33s) definitely eased my nerves a bit. I wasn’t really expecting to clock such a good time. It’s a surprise for me as well. But I am really happy to earn a spot for Paris,” said Kiran, whose previous best was 51.84s.
Kiran was head and shoulders above the rest, finishing almost thr...