Has a remarkable journey from small village to national arena
Munish Sood
Mandi: In the quiet village of Nasloh in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, 22-year-old Chaman Lal is scripting a story of determination and hope.
Born to a daily-wage labourer father and a homemaker mother, Chaman’s rise as an athlete is proof that with passion and hard work, even the toughest circumstances can be overcome.
While his younger brother serves in the Army, Chaman chose a different path — the athletics track. And it is on this track that he has made history.
Breaking barriers in athletics
Chaman is the first athlete from Himachal Pradesh to participate in the Khelo India Youth Games (U-17), an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since then, he has represented the state seven times at the national level, securing two fourth-place finishes in the U-18 category.
At the state level, his record is outstanding — 25 gold medals in athletics events. Beyond that, he has collected an incredible 121 gold medals in marathons and cross-country races, making him one of the most decorated young athletes from the region.
Chaman has also taken his mission beyond the field. In 2024, he organised six marathon events in Mandi, at the historic Paddal Ground and Seri Manch, under the slogan “Quit Drugs, Adopt Fitness”. These runs attracted large numbers of young participants and turned into a strong message against substance abuse.
Speaking to The Newz Radar, Chaman shared his next big initiative: “One important thing is that I have decided to organise 1,600m runs in every district of Himachal Pradesh. Recently, I held one in Dharamshala, Kangra, where the response was excellent. Soon, I will be covering the remaining districts as well. In fact, tomorrow, I am also organizing a 1,600m run at the historic Paddal Ground in Mandi.”
Through social media, Chaman has also launched the “Agniveer 1,600m Training Series” on Instagram and Facebook. This free 100-day training programme provides tips and techniques to youngsters preparing for Army recruitment. The initiative has already inspired many aspirants to train with discipline.
Raising voice against drugs
For Chaman, sports is not just about medals but about saving lives. “Young people today are getting trapped in drugs. I want to tell them that our parents gave us life to live with dignity, not to waste it. Even running a few kilometres daily can keep us fit and away from wrong habits,” he says.
He also stresses the need to recognise athletics as a serious sport. “Ask anyone what they want to become, and they will say a cricketer, footballer, or government employee. But very few even know what an athlete truly is. I want to change that perception,” Chaman adds.
Chaman’s journey has not been without struggles. For nearly three years, personal challenges kept him away from the track. But instead of giving up, he returned with renewed strength. “That phase taught me lessons for life. Now, I am fully focused on my goals,” he says.
Looking to the future, Chaman has set clear goals:
• Win gold at the upcoming national championships.
• Earn a place in the Indian athletics team.
• Bring home international medals for India.
“I want my parents, my village, my district and my country to be proud of me,” he says with confidence. On September 27, 2025, Chaman ran 25 km from Mandi to Sundernagar. This was not just a test of endurance but also a symbolic effort to inspire the youth. The run gained wide appreciation on social media, where many praised his dedication and message.
“Not everyone has to run marathons. But if every youngster runs even 2-3 km daily, it will make a big difference. Sports can give them a new direction,” he explains.
