Jalandhar-based fitness athlete shines at Hyrox challenge in Delhi

Displaying remarkable strength, stamina and endurance, 20-year-old Palak Rajpal from Jalandhar secured a podium finish at the prestigious Hyrox fitness event held in New Delhi last weekend.

Competing in the highly competitive girls’ category of the under-24 division, she completed the challenging course, which included an 8-km run interspersed with eight high-intensity workout stations.

Hyrox, a global fitness race format designed to test physical and mental toughness, attracted around 250 participants from across the country. Palak, who trained under CrossFit coach and fitness trainer Varun Singh, stood out among the field. “Hyrox is known for pushing athletes to their limits. Palak was handpicked and trained for this event and she delivered an outstanding performance,” said Varun.

Explaining the format, Varun said, “Participants run a kilometre and then complete a CrossFit station. This pattern continues until they complete eight stations and a total of 8 km. The workout includes a 152-kg sled push, a 50-metre sled pull, burpee broad jumps for 80 metres, and more. Palak finished the course in one hour and 30 minutes.”

Sharing her training experience, Palak said, “It required intense preparation—nearly two hours of tough training daily. I had already been going to the gym in Jalandhar and then Varun sir started coaching me for running. He held weekly runs, and I made sure to attend every one.”

A former student of Apeejay School, Palak is currently pursuing a Global BBA. “I completed my first year in Mumbai and my second year in Dubai. I was in Jalandhar for three months for an additional course, during which I focused on specialised training. I will pursue my third year in Australia,” she said. Both her parents are engaged in business in Jalandhar.