Fight with family, financial struggles and injuries: Quartermiler Kiran Pahal overcomes hurdles to qualify for Paris Olympics

Quartermiler Kiran Pahal for Paris 2024 Olympics

Kiran Pahal on the sidelines of the Tau Lal Devi Stadium in Panchkula, where the Interstate Athletics Meet is underway. (Express photo by Andrew Amsan)

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 three seconds ahead of Devyaniba Zala who finished second in her semifinal group. Her impressive performance comes with a backstory of injuries and personal battles.

“I could not compete last year because there were some family issues,” said Kiran, her eyes moist. After taking a deep breath she continued: "After my father passed away about two years ago, my family hasn’t supported my sporting endeavours. It’s been six months since I have spoken to my mother. It’s not easy.”

If a strained relationship with family wasn’t difficult enough, constant injuries made life tougher for the 24-year-old runner. A hamstring injury ruined her bid to participate in the Federation Cup in May at Bhubaneswar.

“Oh, don’t ask! The last year and a half I have gone through hell and come back. Injuries, family issues, financial struggles - it is a long list. I almost thought of quitting the sport but somehow managed to hang in,” says Kiran, a clerk with the Indian Railways.

Paris 2024: Kiran Pahal

Her father’s demise was a huge setback for Kiran. He was her biggest fan and ensured all her training requirements were met. (Express photo by Andrew Amsan)

Her father’s demise was a huge setback for Kiran. He was her biggest fan and ensured all her training requirements were met. “He never let me feel that things were tough at home. After he passed away I got to know that he had taken loans from a lot of people to support me,” recalls Kiran.

A certain track and field star played a major role in helping Kiran stay afloat during those turbulent times. National record holder Hima Das, who is going through a lean patch, not only gave Kiran the much-needed pep talk but also supported her with shoes and other dietary requirements.

“I consider her like my elder sister. Hima didi has helped me a lot. I told her my situation and she didn't hesitate even once. I'm so grateful to her,” says Kiran.

No trials for Kiran: Sumariwalla

Kiran's long absence from competition and a big performance on return did raise a few eyebrows but it won’t affect her prospects. The Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla said he wasn't surprised by Kiran's performance and confirmed her participation in the Olympics.

“The rules and guideline marks are there on the website. If she has qualified she will go,” said Sumariwalla. Although Kiran is ready to run for the relay team in Paris, if required, it is unlikely that the federation will consider her since they have a strict campers-only policy.

For now, Kiran will focus on the finals where she will have the opportunity to break Hima’s national record. "I look up to her and I am unsure I can match her standards. I will not talk about records now. I only want to focus on the final race and then start preparations for Paris,” says Kiran, who trains with coach Akaash Chikara in Rohtak.

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