Easily outruns professional athletes: The barefoot widow who conquered the internet

Kavita, a 27-year-old widow and mother of two from Jharkhand, India, was filmed running barefoot in a traditional saree, completing 1,600 meters in 7 minutes while overtaking competitors in sports shoes. The video went viral, sparking public support ahead of her recruitment into the volunteer police force (Home Guard).

Kavita, a 27-year-old widow and mother of two from Jharkhand state in eastern India, was filmed during a fitness training session as she ran barefoot in a traditional green saree, completing a 1,600-meter course in 7 minutes—faster than competitors wearing professional sports shoes. The video went viral and sparked a wave of public support. The event took place at the HMT Academy in Dholmi, as preparation for recruitment tests for the Home Guard, a civilian volunteer force that assists the police. The passing threshold for women is 10 minutes, but Kavita crossed the finish line in just 7 minutes despite the intense heat. Behind the run lies a complex life story: Kavita lost her husband about three years ago and her brother-in-law six months ago, and she is now the sole breadwinner for her two children and her in-laws. She works as a domestic worker and a private security guard. Her daily routine includes a barefoot run at 4 AM. The upcoming recruitment (October 24 to November 5) will offer 284 positions, half reserved for women, with affirmative action for widows. Following the exposure, officials clarified they would monitor her performance in the tests.