Himachal Pradesh News
Mandi’s Kusum Thakur Creates History, Wins National Gold in 200m Sprint with Record-Breaking Performance
In a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh, 23-year-old sprinter Kusum Thakur from Baila village in Mandi district has etched her name into the history books by winning a gold medal at the prestigious 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Championship 2026 held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
In a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh, 23-year-old sprinter Kusum Thakur from Baila village in Mandi district has etched her name into the history books by winning a gold medal at the prestigious 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Championship 2026 held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Competing against some of India’s top athletes, including several international representatives, Kusum delivered a sensational performance in the women’s 200-metre event. She crossed the finish line in 23.94 seconds, registering her personal best at the national level and becoming the first woman athlete from Himachal Pradesh to complete the 200m sprint in under 24 seconds.
The championship, conducted from May 22 to May 25, featured only athletes who had achieved the qualifying standards set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), making the event one of the most competitive national athletics competitions in the country.
Historic Achievement for Himachal Pradesh
Kusum’s gold-medal-winning run marks a significant milestone not only in her sporting career but also for athletics in Himachal Pradesh. Her record-breaking timing has placed the state on the national athletics map and inspired a new generation of athletes from the hill regions.
Before her remarkable success in the 200m race, Kusum also displayed exceptional form in the women’s 100m category. She won her heat race with a personal best timing of 11.71 seconds, showcasing her growing dominance in sprint events. However, due to personal reasons, she was unable to compete in the final race.
A Journey of Determination and Resilience
Behind this historic victory lies a story of perseverance and courage.
Kusum’s passion for athletics began during her childhood when she started training alongside her brother, Harish Chander, while studying in Class IV. From a young age, she showed a natural inclination towards sports and dreamed of making a mark in athletics.
However, her journey was far from smooth. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she faced serious health complications that forced doctors to advise her to stay away from running. As a result, she remained off the track for nearly two years, a setback that could have ended many sporting careers.
Instead of giving up, Kusum chose to fight back. Through relentless training, unwavering determination and a strong belief in herself, she made a remarkable comeback to competitive athletics.
From University Champion to National Gold Medalist
Kusum’s rise to national prominence has been steadily building over the years.
In 2024, she won a gold medal in the women’s 200m race at the Inter-University Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. At just 21 years of age, she completed the event in 24.13 seconds, a performance that was widely regarded as one of the finest achievements by a female athlete from Himachal Pradesh.
Two years later, she has surpassed her own benchmark and delivered a historic national-level victory.
Family, Coach and Faith Behind the Success
Kusum credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, siblings, coach and spiritual faith. She currently trains under coach Ankit Chambiyal at the Dharamsala Athletics Stadium.
The young athlete also dedicated her national gold medal to Dev Shri Sat Balakameshwar Banyuri, whose blessings she believes played an important role in her journey.
Speaking about her achievement, Kusum emphasized the importance of positivity and perseverance in achieving success.
She believes that athletes from hilly regions can excel in sprinting despite common misconceptions and hopes her success will inspire young sportspersons to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kusum Thakur’s achievement is more than just a gold medal victory. It is a story of resilience, belief and determination. From battling health challenges during the pandemic to standing atop the national podium, her journey serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring athletes across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
As celebrations continue in Mandi district, Kusum’s historic triumph is being hailed as a landmark moment for athletics in the state, proving that talent, hard work and determination can overcome every obstacle.
