| On Thursday, June 27, 2024, Kiran Pahal achieved a significant milestone by running the 400m in 50.92 seconds during the semifinals of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula. This time surpassed the Olympic qualification mark of 50.95 seconds for the women’s 400-metre event. |
| Kiran has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Indian female quartermiler to qualify for the Olympics after an eight-year gap since Nirmal Sheoran participated in the 2016 Rio Games. |
| Kiran Pahal has achieved a personal best in the 400m, completing the race in 50.92 seconds, positioning her as the second-fastest Indian woman in this category. The national record in the women’s 400m is held by Hima Das, who completed the race in 50.79 seconds. Notably, Kiran Pahal and Hima Das are the only individuals in India to have completed the 400m in under 51 seconds. |
| Kiran Pahal with Hima Das |
| Kiran was unable to participate in the events of 2023 due to familial circumstances. The loss of her father in 2022 has led to a lack of support from her family regarding her athletic pursuits. It has been six months since she last communicated with her mother. |
| Kiran Pahal has received no sponsorship and undergoes training independently in Haryana under the guidance of her coach, Akaash Chikara. |
| Kiran Pahal with her coach Akaash Chikara |
| Hima Das played a significant role in providing support to Kiran during a challenging period. Hima Das not only delivered an encouraging pep talk to Kiran but also supplied her with essential footwear like running shoes and addressed her nutritional requirements in her diet. |
| After spending six years in the national camp, Kiran left in 2022 feeling she wasn’t receiving the attention she needed. Since then, she has been training under former sprinter Ashish Singh Chhikara. |
| Kiran Pahal is a three-time National champion. |
