Pooja Singh Breaks U20 National Record in High Jump, Secures Spot in World U20 Championships Final
New Delhi: India’s rising star, Pooja Singh, has made a significant mark at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024 in Lima by setting a new U20 national record in the women’s high jump. The 17-year-old athlete from Fatehbad district, Haryana, cleared a height of 1.83 meters, surpassing her previous best of 1.82 meters, which she had set last year while winning a silver medal at the Asian U20 Championships in Korea.
Pooja’s outstanding performance placed her second in qualification round group B and ninth overall, securing her a place in the final scheduled for August 31. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and perseverance, as she continues to break new ground in her athletic career.
Hailing from a modest background as the daughter of a mason, Pooja’s journey has been anything but easy. She began her training at the Parta Sports Academy under the guidance of coach Balwan Singh, despite the lack of proper equipment, including a landing mat. Her dedication paid off early in her career when she won gold in the U-14 girls’ category with a jump of 1.41 meters. However, a quadricep injury sidelined her for 15 months, temporarily halting her progress.
Undeterred, Pooja made a strong comeback, winning gold in the U-16 girls’ category at the 2022 Junior Nationals with a jump of 1.76 meters, setting a new national record. She continued her winning streak with another gold in the U-18 category at the 2022 Youth National Championships.
Now, with her latest record-breaking jump at the World U20 Championships, Pooja Singh is poised for further success as she prepares to compete in the final. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the country.
FOLLOW FOR MORE.
