Gujarat’s rising sprint talent, Kajal Vaja, showcased her prowess by aiding India in securing a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at the 22nd Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong. Clocking an impressive 45.05 seconds, the Indian team, including Kajal, surpassed the national U-20 record with exceptional speed and teamwork.
Despite hailing from a modest background in Chorwad village, Junagadh district, Kajal’s dedication to athletics stood out. Making significant sacrifices and taking a drop year in Class 12 to focus on training, she reaped the rewards of her hard work. Her uncle, Manthan Dabhi, recalls her early passion for sports during school days.
Coach Shivam Upadhyay commended Kajal’s commitment to training and pursuit of excellence, highlighting her discipline and competitive mindset. With previous achievements like a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025, Kajal’s recent success in Hong Kong adds to her impressive track record.
Kajal’s journey, which began through the Sports Authority of Gujarat’s School Programme, has seen her progress to the High-Performance Centre in Nadiad, receiving advanced training and support. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised Kajal and the relay team for their outstanding performance, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting sportspersons.
