Kolkata, July 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
West Bengal sprinter Tahura Khatun is aiming to add another milestone to her career as she prepares to represent India at the World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA, after creating history by becoming the first athlete from the state to qualify for the global event.
The 19-year-old will compete in the mixed 4×400 metres relay, hoping to build on her success at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships, where she won gold as part of India’s women’s 4x400m relay team.
“My ultimate goal is to win gold at the Olympics. For now, I am totally focused on the World U20 Athletics Championships. I will give my best and do everything possible to make the country proud,” Tahura said before leaving for Oregon.
Training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Eastern Centre under chief coach Sanjoy Ghosh and assistant coach Jaspal Singh Pannu, Tahura said her confidence has grown following her Asian U20 triumph. She recently claimed gold at the state athletics meet while setting a new meet record.
Hailing from Phulbari village in South 24 Parganas district, Tahura began her sporting journey by playing football and cricket before switching to athletics. She credited SAI and her coaches for helping her overcome financial hardships that once threatened her sporting ambitions.
Tahura said she hopes her achievements inspire more youngsters from West Bengal to pursue athletics.
Reflecting on her return after the Asian U20 Championships, she recalled that no one was there to receive her at the airport, adding that she hopes strong performances at the world level will bring greater recognition to her achievements.
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