Indian long-distance runner Parul Chaudhary won her second bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 28, finishing third in the women’s 5,000m final with a time of 15:14.61. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi won gold in 15:10.18, while Japan’s Nozomi Tanaka secured silver in 15:11.65. Parul had earlier won bronze in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, setting a national record of 9:08.67. The double podium finish adds to her achievements at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she won gold in the 5,000m and silver in the steeplechase.
A Second Bronze Medal
Parul’s latest medal came after a closely contested women’s 5,000m final, in which she stayed in contention and produced a strong finish to secure third place. She clocked 15 minutes and 14.61 seconds, finishing behind Yavi and Tanaka, who crossed the line in 15:10.18 and 15:11.65, respectively. The result marked her second bronze medal in three days at the ongoing continental sporting event.
The 31-year-old athlete from Uttar Pradesh had already made her mark in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, finishing third in 9:08.67 and setting a new national record. Her performance in the 5,000m further underlined her ability to compete across demanding long-distance events. Parul’s campaign also included a fourth-place finish in the women’s 1,500m final, making it three finals in three consecutive days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Parul on her 5,000m bronze, with the Prime Minister’s Office describing her achievement as an inspiration for budding athletes. Parul also expressed happiness over winning two medals and said she was looking forward to returning home and spending time with her family.
From Barefoot Runner To Champion
Parul Chaudhary’s journey in athletics began in Iklauta village in Uttar Pradesh, where she grew up before gradually building a career in long-distance running. She started running at school as a teenager, initially competing in the 800m event, often without proper running shoes. Over time, she progressed to the 1,500m, 3,000m and 5,000m races, eventually establishing herself in both long-distance running and the 3,000m steeplechase.
Her rise in athletics was shaped by years of training and professional commitments. In 2015, she joined the Indian Railways, taking up a job as a ticket examiner in Mumbai while continuing to pursue her sporting ambitions. The railway sports programme provided her with an opportunity to develop her career as an athlete. Her progress on the international stage included a gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.
A defining moment came at the Hangzhou Asian Games, held in 2023 as the 2022 edition. Parul won silver in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase before clinching gold in the 5,000m, becoming the first Indian woman to win gold in the event at the Asian Games. Her gold-medal finish followed a dramatic late surge in which she overtook Japan’s Ririka Hironaka near the finish line.
Parul also represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, competing in both the 3,000m steeplechase and the 5,000m. Her continued participation in international competitions has helped her gain experience across different distances, culminating in her two bronze medals at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Parul Chaudhary’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, access to sporting opportunities and sustained support for athletes pursuing their ambitions. Her achievements also draw attention to the dedication required to compete at the highest level, particularly in demanding endurance events. Beyond the medals, her story serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from communities across the country when athletes receive opportunities to develop their potential.
As India celebrates her achievements, it is equally important to strengthen grassroots sports programmes, improve access to training facilities and ensure that young athletes receive the guidance and support they need. What more can be done to help aspiring athletes from small towns and villages pursue their sporting dreams?
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