The District Athletics Association in Meerut stands out in India's most populous state for its training methods, but its struggle for funding and infrastructure continues
Gold medallist India's Parul Chaudhary celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 5,000m final athletics event during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on October 3, 2023. Image: Hector Retmal / AFP
There were 13 athletes from Uttar Pradesh who represented India at the Asian Games that concluded in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday. Six of these athletes hail from Meerut district, and four have won five medals, including two golds.
Parul Chaudhary hails from Iklauta village in Meerut district. She won a gold and a silver medal in the 5000m and the 3000m steeplechase. Annu Rani, a resident of Bahadurpur village of Meerut, won the gold in javelin throw. Gulveer Singh and Kiran Baliyan, who secured bronzes in long-distance running and shot put, respectively, are also closely associated with Meerut.