Farm labourer’s daughter skips HSC exam, sprints her way to relay silver

Ahmedabad: When sprinter Kajal Vaja skipped her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC-General) exam to seek qualification for the U-20 Asian Athletics Championship in Hong Kong, China, little did she know that her non-appearance in the exam would not only earn her a subsequent qualification for the meet but also a chance to win a medal for the country at the age-group continental athletics meet.

On Sunday, the last day of the meet, Kajal, participating in the women’s 4x100m relay, ran the first leg (lead-off) of the race and was part of the silver-medal quartet that comprised, apart from her, Bhavana G, Aarti and Nipam. The quartet crossed the finishing line in 45.05s behind China, which won the gold in 44.78s.

“It was an easy race. I was happy with my run. The progression was smooth, and I dedicate my medal to my coach and family members,” said Kajal, her voice beaming with joy, over the phone.

The 19-year-old, who hails from Chorwad village in Maliya Hatina taluka of Junagadh district, heeded her coach’s call to not appear for the HSC exam, a rare decision in India where academics is prioritised over sports. “We made a decision not to appear for the exam. If she earned a medal at the 24th Junior Fed Cup, she would earn a qualification for the meet in Hong Kong,” said Kajal’s coach Shivam Upadhyay.

Kajal went on to win a bronze in the women’s 100m at the 24th National Junior (U20) Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Tumakuru. Though she failed to make the individual event, she made the cut for the 4x100 relay team.

Kajal’s father works as a farm labourer in addition to working on his personal farm (2 bighas of land). “I was interested in playing sports as a child. From Class 5, I was interested in sprinting. My father was hesitant about me taking up sports. He dissuaded me initially before he gave in. After the first trials in Bhavnagar, my father allowed me to take admission at the District Level Sports School (DLSS) in Gir-Somnath...

...My father believed in my abilities. He had faith in me that I would one day win a medal for the country. I am glad to bag a silver medal over here,” said Kajal, whose aim is to keep performing well and qualify for the Olympics.