Nagoya, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : Prachi Chaudhary, who contributed to India’s victory in the women’s 4×400 meter relay at the Asian Games, has set her sights beyond just winning. Before arriving in Nagoya, she had already submitted her measurements for the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) uniform.
Having secured a silver medal in the previous Asian Games, Prachi expressed her determination to return to this continental event, clinch gold, and fulfill her ambition of becoming a DSP under Uttar Pradesh’s sports policy.
After India’s victory, she shared, “Last year, I won a silver medal at the Asian Games, which prevented me from becoming a DSP. Our Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a sports policy that awards DSP positions to gold medalists. So, when I missed out last year, it was disheartening. I promised myself I would return for the next Asian Games and win gold, no matter what.”
She added, “I had already given my measurements for the uniform before coming here. I told them that it should be ready by the time I return, as I want to wear it. After this medal, a lot will change. My dream of becoming a DSP will finally come true. I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.”
Prachi, along with teammates Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, and Vithya Ramraj, won the gold medal with a time of 3:29.69, finishing ahead of Bahrain and China.
Before the final, the team’s focus was unified. Prachi noted, “All four of us kept saying that no matter what happens, we must win gold. We needed to support each other and maintain our lead during the baton exchanges. That was our sole focus.”
At 29, Prachi had already claimed a bronze medal in the 400 meters at the 2026 Asian Games. She ran the third leg in the relay and handed the baton to Vithya for the anchor leg. Winning gold not only brings pride to her family but also serves as inspiration for young athletes.
“I will show this medal to my father when I get home. He will be very happy, and my mother will also be proud. For me, the biggest thing is that my family feels proud of me. If other young boys and girls see me and believe they can achieve the same, it will empower them. When I was young and started sports, I watched athletes go abroad and hear the national anthem play. That feeling is indescribable.”
Prachi expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for their support. She also thanked AFI President Lalit Bhanot for motivating her before the competition.
“Our government is very supportive. I don’t think any previous Prime Minister has engaged with athletes as much as Modi ji has, personally motivating and encouraging us. He has done a lot for sports. Since his government came to power, our sports sector has seen continuous progress and improvement.”
She remarked, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has completely transformed the landscape of sports in Uttar Pradesh. In the coming years, you will see many world-class elite athletes emerging from our state. I want to sincerely thank the Athletics Federation of India, especially Lalit Bhanot sir. Before my individual race, he inspired me greatly. He met with me and said that I must return with a medal. That motivated me immensely. I also want to thank TOPS, SAI, and our government for their support.”
“I performed well here, so I want to continue improving in the coming years. I achieved my personal best this year, and I don’t want to stop now. There are many events ahead: the Asian Championships, World Championships, and then the Olympics. I must keep moving forward.”
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