Who was the first Indian to compete in the 3000m steeplechase final at the Olympics?

India's former long-distance runner Lalita Babar, hailing from Satara district, Maharashtra, emerged as the first Indian to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final. She achieved this feat at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

At the 2015 Asian Championships, Lalita secured the gold medal, clocking 9:34.13, creating her personal best, India's national record and Championships record. With this effort, she made the cut for the Rio Olympics.

At the 2016 Summer Games, Lalita was placed in the second heat. She created another national record with 9:19.76 to secure the fourth rank in the heat and make the cut for the final. In the process, she emerged as the first Indian to compete in the 3000m steeplechase final at the Games.

However, in the final, she couldn't create an impact as she settled for the 10th rank, clocking 9:22.74. Bahrain's Ruth Jebet secured the gold medal with 8:59.75 while Kenya's Hyvin Jepkemoi bagged a silver medal (9::07.12). USA's Emma Coburn settled for the bronze medal (9:07.63).

Lalita Babar’s medals and achievements

U20 National Championships 2005: Gold Medal

Asian Games 2014: Bronze Medal

Asian Championships 2015: Gold Medal

Sports Person of the Year Awards 2015 by FICCI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs

Arjuna Award, by the Government of India

Babar started her career in athletics at a very young age. She secured a gold medal at the U20 National Championships in 2005 in Pune. Nine years later, she went on to clinch a bronze medal, clocking 9:35.37 in the final. She broke the then-national record held by Sudha Singh.

After Lalita entered the final at the Rio Olympics in 2016, she emerged as the first Indian in 32 years to enter a final in any track event. During her brief career, she created many national records and currently holds the national record of 9:19.76, achieved in Rio.

According to reports, Babar has been appointed as Tahasildar of Mangoan in Raigad, Maharashtra, from sports quota.