P.U. Chitra Biography

 P.U. Chitra, whose full name is Palakeezh Unnikrishnan Chitra, is an Indian middle-distance runner who specializes in the 1500 meters event. She was born on June 9, 1995, in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India.

Chitra comes from a humble background and discovered her talent for running at a young age. She began her athletic journey by participating in local competitions and quickly gained attention for her impressive performances. Her dedication and hard work eventually led her to represent India at various national and international events.

In 2016, Chitra won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters event at the South Asian Games held in Guwahati, India. The following year, she made her mark on the international stage by winning gold in the same event at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar, India. This victory brought her widespread recognition and established her as one of India's top middle-distance runners.

However, Chitra faced a significant setback in 2018 when she was excluded from the Indian team for the Asian Games despite meeting the qualification criteria. This decision sparked controversy and led to a legal battle between Chitra and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Eventually, the Kerala High Court ruled in Chitra's favor and allowed her to participate in the Asian Games, where she finished fourth.

Chitra's perseverance and determination were further displayed at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, where she won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters event. Her performance qualified her for the 2019 World Championships in Athletics held in Doha, where she represented India.

Throughout her career, Chitra has faced numerous challenges and hurdles but has continued to demonstrate her talent and passion for athletics. She has inspired many young athletes with her achievements and serves as a role model for aspiring runners in India.

Beyond her sporting career, Chitra holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Calicut University. She is known for her humility and down-to-earth nature, often expressing her gratitude for the support she receives from her family, friends, and fans.

P.U. Chitra continues to train and compete, striving to reach new heights in her athletic career while inspiring others with her incredible journey.