- Indian athletics witnessed a historic moment as Kerala’s Ancy Sojan broke the 22-year-old women’s long jump national record held by legendary Anju Bobby George during the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
- The 25-year-old produced a sensational jump of 6.88 metres, surpassing the previous national record of 6.83 metres, which Anju Bobby George had set during the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- The remarkable performance also propelled Ancy to the top of the Asian season rankings and strengthened her medal prospects for the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
A Historic Leap for Indian Athletics
Ancy Sojan delivered the record-breaking performance on her fifth attempt, producing the best jump of her career.
Record-Breaking Performance
- Distance: 6.88 metres
- Previous National Record: 6.83 metres
- Record Holder: Anju Bobby George
- Record Duration: 22 years
- Venue: National Inter-State Athletics Championships, Bhubaneswar
The jump not only rewrote the national record books but also established Ancy as India’s leading long jumper.
Asian Games Qualification Secured
Ancy comfortably crossed the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) qualifying standard of 6.48 metres for the Asian Games 2026.
She also became the Asian season leader, overtaking all competitors across the continent.
The podium in the women’s long jump featured:
- Gold: Ancy Sojan (Kerala) – 6.88m
- Silver: Shaili Singh (Uttar Pradesh) – 6.67m
- Bronze: Mubassina Mohammed (Lakshadweep) – 6.53m
All three athletes crossed the qualification mark, although only two athletes can represent India at the Asian Games.
Tribute to Anju Bobby George
- Following her historic achievement, Ancy paid an emotional tribute to Indian athletics icon Anju Bobby George.
- She described Anju as her biggest inspiration and expressed hope that the former world champion would be proud of her achievement.
- Ancy revealed that learning about Anju’s dedication and struggles motivated her to pursue excellence in athletics.
Journey to the National Record
- Interestingly, Ancy entered the competition aiming only to improve her personal best rather than chase the national record.
- She revealed that despite experiencing stomach discomfort during the event, encouragement from her coach gave her the confidence to produce the record-breaking jump.
- The achievement also marked a remarkable comeback after a difficult previous season, during which hormonal issues had affected her performance.
Asian Games Gold in Sight
- Ancy has now shifted her focus towards winning the Asian Games gold medal.
- She also aims to surpass the 6.86-metre qualification mark required for direct entry into the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
- Her latest performance suggests that she is well-positioned to compete among Asia’s best long jumpers.
Sarvesh Kushare Also Creates History
The championships produced another national record on the same day.
Maharashtra’s Sarvesh Kushare broke the men’s high jump national record by clearing 2.31 metres.
Kushare’s Achievement
- New National Record: 2.31m
- Previous Record: 2.29m
- Previous Record Holder: Tejaswin Shankar
- First Indian to clear 2.30m
- Asian Games qualification achieved
Kushare’s performance placed him among the world’s leading high jumpers this season and made him the top-ranked athlete in Asia.
Indian Athletics on the Rise
- The National Inter-State Championships have emerged as one of the most successful editions in recent years, with five national records being broken.
- The performances of athletes such as Ancy Sojan and Sarvesh Kushare highlight the rapid improvement in Indian athletics ahead of major international competitions, including the Asian Games 2026, Commonwealth Games and future World Championships.
Conclusion
Ancy Sojan’s historic 6.88-metre leap has ushered in a new chapter in Indian athletics by breaking one of the country’s most iconic national records. Surpassing Anju Bobby George’s long-standing mark is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the growing strength of Indian track and field.
With the Asian Games on the horizon, Ancy’s record-breaking form provides India with renewed hopes of success on the continental stage, while Sarvesh Kushare’s national record adds further momentum to India’s athletics revolution.