Indian middle-distance star Parul Chaudhary delivered a career-defining performance at the Doha Diamond League, clocking an incredible 9:13.39 in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
Not only did she finish a commendable 6th in a world-class field, but she also shattered her own national record and booked a berth for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
This performance marks a significant leap forward in Indian athletics, as Parul becomes the first Indian woman to breach the coveted 9:15 mark in the event.
Her previous best – and the national record – was 9:15.31, set at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. That record now stands broken as Parul continues to redefine the benchmarks in Indian distance running.
Steeplechase Masterclass in Doha
The women’s 3000m steeplechase in Doha featured some of the world’s elite athletes, with Kenya’s Faith Cherotich taking the win in a blistering world-leading time of 9:05.08.
Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the reigning world champion, followed closely with 9:05.26, while Ethiopia’s Zerfe Wondemagegn Almayew rounded out the top three in 9:09.27.
Parul Chaudhary’s 6th-place finish amidst this elite company is a testament to her ever-growing international stature.
While others may have captured the headlines with podium finishes, Parul’s national record and World Championships qualification were major victories for Indian athletics.
A Perfect Season Opener
This was Parul’s first race of the 2025 season, and she couldn’t have asked for a better start. Breaking the 9:15 barrier in the opening race of the year sets the tone for what could be a historic season.
She becomes the fifth Indian athlete to qualify for the 2025 World Championships, joining the ranks of Neeraj Chopra, Avinash Sable, and others.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the consistency with which Parul has been performing over the past few years.
After a solid 2023 that saw her set the previous NR and make the final at the World Championships, she followed it up with a strong showing at the Asian Games. Now in 2025, she has taken her game to the next level.
India’s Distance Running Renaissance
Parul’s progress mirrors a broader resurgence in Indian distance running. With steeplechase star Avinash Sable breaking records on the men’s side and athletes like Parul pushing boundaries in the women’s events, India is no longer a passive participant in distance events on the world stage.
The 3000m steeplechase has traditionally been dominated by athletes from East Africa. But Parul’s presence in the top six at a Diamond League meeting indicates that Indian athletes are closing the gap, training smarter, and competing harder.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring a Generation
Clocking 9:13.39 is more than just a number—it is a symbol of belief, resilience, and the power of progression. For years, Indian athletes have struggled to find a foothold in elite distance running.
Parul’s performances show that with the right support system, international exposure, and relentless focus, Indian runners can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
This achievement is likely to inspire a new wave of young Indian middle-distance runners. It also signals to national federations and sponsors that athletes like Parul deserve more opportunities to train and compete abroad, especially in high-performance environments like the Diamond League circuit.
Eyes on Tokyo 2025 and Beyond
With her ticket now booked for the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025, Parul has ample time to fine-tune her preparations. If this season opener is any indication, she has the potential to break the 9:10 barrier and push toward a top-five global finish.
While Neeraj Chopra might continue to hog the limelight with his javelin heroics, Parul Chaudhary is quietly scripting a legacy of her own in the distance running world. And if she continues this trajectory, a global medal might not be too far away.
Parul Chaudhary’s 9:13.39 in Doha is more than just a national record. It is a statement—India is rising in world athletics, and Parul is leading the charge. With steely determination and steady improvement, she’s becoming a name to reckon with in global steeplechase circuits.
Congratulations, Parul Chaudhary! Indian athletics is proud of you. 🇮🇳💪
