Uttar Pradesh Police Deputy Superintendent Parul Chaudhary has once again brought immense pride to the nation by securing a stellar victory on the international sporting stage. Competing at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, she clinched a bronze medal in the women's 3000-meter steeplechase event. In this intensely contested race featuring world-class runners, she not only earned a podium finish but also shattered her own previous national record, cementing her status as a legendary athlete who rose from running barefoot in village alleys.
Record-Breaking Performance on the Track
The high-stakes race witnessed fierce competition among elite athletes from across the continent. Parul delivered a phenomenal performance, clocking 9 minutes, 08 seconds, and 67 microseconds to secure the third spot. With this remarkable timing, she improved upon her own national record of 9 minutes, 12 seconds, and 46 microseconds set back in 2025, beating her previous best by a massive margin of nearly 4 seconds. Consequently, she has now etched her name in history as the first female athlete from India to complete the 3000-meter steeplechase in under 9 minutes and 10 seconds. In the same event, Winfred Yavi of Bahrain claimed the gold medal with a new Asian Games record time of 9 minutes, 04 seconds, and 36 microseconds, while Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan took home the silver medal with a time of 9 minutes, 06 seconds, and 82 microseconds. Meanwhile, fellow young Indian runner Ankita finished a commendable fourth place with a personal best timing of 9 minutes, 19 seconds, and 24 microseconds.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Extends Greetings
Following her monumental triumph, leaders across the nation poured in their congratulatory messages. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to the social media platform X to praise her exceptional feat. He wrote that it is an extraordinary achievement for both Uttar Pradesh and India. He further noted that winning the bronze medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games 2026 is a moment of immense pride, congratulating UP Police DSP Parul Chaudhary for once again showcasing her world-class caliber on the Asian stage and securing her consecutive second Asian Games medal in this discipline. He highlighted that this victory is a proud moment for the entire Uttar Pradesh Police force and Indian athletics.
From Barefoot Running to DSP Uniform
Hailing from the village of Iklauta near Meerut, Parul Chaudhary's life story is an inspiring saga of unrelenting hard work and overcoming adversity. Born to farmer parents Kishanpal Chaudhary and Rajesh Devi, she grew up facing severe resource constraints during her childhood. She began her athletic journey in 2011 by competing in school-level 800-meter races barefoot without proper shoes. Gradually, she expanded her training repertoire to master the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and steeplechase events. Her exceptional sporting credentials initially earned her a job in Indian Railways. Later, recognizing her immense contributions to sports, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the UP Police under the sports quota on January 27, 2024. Presently, she is serving in her official capacity in Moradabad.
