Pooja Singh created history at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong by clearing 1.93m to win gold and break a 14-year-old national record.
The 19-year-old became the first Indian woman to win high jump gold at this event, surpassing Sahana Kumari’s 1.92m mark and erasing the championship record of 1.90m set in 2006.
Her jump also met the Commonwealth Games 2026 qualifying standard of 1.92m, though her inclusion depends on the Athletics Federation of India’s selection process. Singh’s performance confirmed her as Asia’s top U20 women’s high jumper this season.
Raised in Fatehabad, Haryana, Singh trained under difficult conditions, using bamboo poles and rice sacks before receiving proper equipment. She began as a gymnast before switching to high jump under coach Balwan Parta. Later, she overcame a ligament tear and trained under Sergey Biran, husband of Asian Games medallist Svetlana Radzivil.
India enjoyed a strong day in field events. Rahul Jakhar won decathlon gold with a U20 national record of 7,185 points, achieving personal bests in seven events. His teammate Upkar secured silver, contributing to India’s medal surge of four gold, two silver, and two bronze in two days.
Singh’s rise from grassroots hardship to national record holder reflects resilience and determination. Her coach and former record holder, Sahana Kumari, believes she can target 1.96m soon. Whether selected for the Commonwealth Games or not, Singh’s current form positions her as a major contender on the international stage.
