Kajal Vaja Shines at Asian U-20 Championships, Leading India to Silver

Kajal Vaja, a 19-year-old sprinter from Gujarat, has made headlines by helping India secure a silver medal in the women's 4x100m relay at the Asian U-20 Championships in Hong Kong. Her journey from a modest background to the international stage is a testament to her dedication and hard work. With a series of impressive performances, including breaking national records, Kajal is emerging as one of India's top sprinting talents. Her achievements not only highlight her personal success but also bring pride to her home state of Gujarat.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2026, 21:57 IST

Kajal Vaja's Remarkable Achievement

Kajal Vaja, a promising sprint athlete from Gujarat, has once again proven that with determination and hard work, athletes can rise from humble beginnings to achieve international success. The 19-year-old from Chorwad village in Junagadh district played a crucial role in securing a silver medal for India in the women's 4x100m relay at the 22nd Asian U-20 Athletics Championships held in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Record-Breaking Performance

Competing alongside teammates Bhavna from Tamil Nadu, Arti from Haryana, and Nipam from Uttar Pradesh, Kajal and her team clocked an impressive time of 45.05 seconds, breaking the previous national U-20 record of 45.08 seconds. Their performance highlighted exceptional teamwork and speed, showcasing their skills on a continental platform.

Inspiring Journey from Modest Roots

Kajal's story is particularly inspiring given her background. Her father, Hirabhai Vaja, is a farm laborer in their coastal village. Despite facing financial hardships, Kajal remained dedicated to her athletic pursuits, even taking a gap year from her studies to focus on training. Her uncle, Manthan Dabhi, noted her early passion for sports, while her coach, Shivam Upadhyay, praised her commitment and competitive spirit.

A Series of Achievements

The silver medal in Hong Kong adds to Kajal's impressive accolades, including a silver in the 4x100m relay at the South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025 in Ranchi. She also holds the national U-20 record in the 60m event, having set a new benchmark of 7.50 seconds at the First Indoor Open Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar earlier this year.

Support from State-Level Initiatives

Kajal's athletic journey began with the School Programme of the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG). In 2019, she joined the District Level Sports School (DLSS) in Kodinar, where her talent was nurtured. In 2023, she was selected for the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Nadiad, where she continues to receive advanced training.

Celebrating Gujarat's Pride

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi congratulated Kajal and the Indian relay team for their remarkable achievement. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting athletes in realizing their global aspirations. Kajal's success follows another notable performance by Gujarat's Rahul Jakhar, who won the decathlon gold medal at the same championship, setting a new national record.