India’s all-time second-fastest women’s 400m runner, Kiran Pahal, made a winning start to her season by clinching gold in the women’s 400m at the Indian Series-5 in Sangrur.

Kiran clocked 54.07 seconds to register the fastest time across all three finals at the meet, underlining her dominance in the event. The performance marks a solid opening to her campaign as she looks to build momentum for the remainder of the season.

Known for her consistency in Indian quarter-mile running, Kiran has established herself among the country’s top 400m athletes in recent years and continues to remain a strong contender on the national circuit.

The meet also witnessed the return of Himanshi Malik, the 2023 Interstate champion, who competed after nearly one and a half years away from action. Himanshi finished third in Final C with a time of 56.58s, marking an encouraging comeback performance after a lengthy absence from competition.

With both Kiran returning strongly and Himanshi back on track, the women’s 400m event promises to be an exciting battle in the domestic athletics season ahead.

Neeru Pathak delivered a commanding performance at the U-20 Federation Cup, winning gold in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.31 seconds and comfortably breaching the Asian U-20 qualification standard.

Representing NCOE Trivandrum, Neeru led what turned out to be one of the most competitive races of the meet. Close behind her, Tahura Khatun secured silver with a remarkable lifetime best of 54.39 seconds, a massive improvement from her previous best of 56.01.

Bhoomika Nehate completed the podium, clocking a personal best of 54.68 seconds to take bronze.

The depth of the field was particularly striking, with seven out of eight finalists running faster than the Asian U-20 qualification standard.

Anusha Biswas, the 2024 Junior Nationals 100m bronze medallist, has been banned for four years by NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP).

The 19-year-old sprinter was initially suspended in January 2025 after testing positive for Metandienone. She appealed the suspension, and her case was subsequently reviewed and adjudicated by the ADDP.

Biswas had recently broken the 12-second barrier at the Junior Nationals 2024, marking her as a rising sprint talent. Her four-year ineligibility period will be counted from January 8, 2025, sidelining her from all competitions until 2029.

The decision serves as a strict reminder of NADA’s zero-tolerance policy on doping, even among young and emerging athletes.