Parul Chaudhary Breaks National Record at 2025 Doha Diamond League
Parul Chaudhary kicked off her 2025 athletics season in style, shattering the national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and securing her spot for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Competing at the Doha Diamond League on Friday night, the 28-year-old clocked an impressive time of 9:13.39, surpassing her own record of 9:15.31, which she set at the World Championships in Budapest two years ago.
Her remarkable performance placed her sixth in a competitive field at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium. Notably, Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the silver medallist from Paris 2024, finished just behind her in seventh, highlighting the significance of Parul’s achievement.
"I felt great during the race," Parul shared with reporters afterward. "The weather was nice, and my training really paid off. It’s been two years since I had such a good start to my season."
Parul’s time also comfortably surpassed the World Championships qualifying standard of 9:18.00, ensuring her participation in the Tokyo event set for September.
The race was won by Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, who clocked a world-leading time of 9:05.08. Bahrain’s Olympic champion Winfred Yavi secured second place with 9:05.26, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew finished third at 9:09.27.
This achievement is a significant boost for Indian athletics, especially in the steeplechase event, where the level of global competition is rising. With her strong showing in Doha, Parul has reaffirmed her position as India’s top steeplechaser and is now among the leading contenders for the upcoming championships.
Gulveer Singh Finishes Ninth in Men’s 5000m
In another highlight from Doha, Gulveer Singh made his Diamond League debut in the men’s 5000m, finishing in ninth place with a time of 13:24.32. The 25-year-old athlete, who previously earned a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the Asian Games and set a new Indian 5000m record of 12:59.77 earlier this year in Boston, faced a tough competition led by Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot took the victory in the men’s 5000m, achieving a new personal best of 13:16.40.
