Gujarat’s rising sprinter Kajol Waza delivered a standout performance at the 22nd Asian U-20 Athletics Championships held in Hong Kong, playing a key role in helping India secure a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay event. The Indian team clocked a new national record time of 45.04 seconds, improving on the previous mark of 45.08 seconds, showcasing strong teamwork and efficient baton exchanges. The 19-year-old from Chorvad village in Junagadh district ran alongside teammates Bhavna (Tamil Nadu), Aarti (Haryana), and Nimpam (Uttar Pradesh), contributing to India’s record-breaking performance in the U-20 category. Her achievement becomes even more remarkable considering her modest background, with her father working as a farmer and agricultural laborer.
Kajol’s journey reflects determination and sacrifice, including taking a gap year during Class 12 to focus on intensive training and competition. Coaches and mentors credit her discipline, consistency, and strong competitive mindset for her rapid rise in Indian athletics. She is regarded as one of the most promising young sprinters in the country. Her latest success adds to an already impressive list of achievements. Earlier in 2025, she won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the South Asian Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi.
She also holds the U-20 national record in the 60m sprint and recently clocked 7.50 seconds to win gold at the inaugural Indoor Open Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. Starting her sporting journey through the Sports Authority of Gujarat school program, Kajol was later trained at a district sports school in Kodinar and currently trains at a high-performance centre in Nadiad. Her performance has drawn praise from state sports officials, who highlighted her achievement as a moment of pride for Gujarat and India.
