From the rural region of Kerala to breaking 22 years old record long jump, it has been a long journey for Kerala’s jumper Ancy Sojan

Kerala’s Asian Games medallist Ancy Sojan obliterated more than two decades women’s long jump record at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on Saturday evening. The 25 years old Kerala’s international long jump entered her name in record books in her fifth attempt as she landed at 6.88m mark to improve long-standing record of 6.83m set by Anju Bobby George in 2004 in Athens.

“My goal today was to record a personal best of 6.75m recorded four weeks ago in Ranchi,” jubilant Ancy Sojan said of getting into a good rhythm for the word go. She began her record-breaking campaign with a jump of 6.73m. Her second jump was no mark. Her third jump was 6.67m while fourth jump was 6.72m. She was on cloud nine when the electronic scoreboard flashed 6.88m. Her last and sixth jump was 6.69m.

Ancy Sojan dedicated her record-breaking gold medal performance to her father. “He wanted someone in the family to be a national record holder. The gold medal will be a precious gift to him,” the elated long jumper said.

Last year she was struggling with health issues. She had to take a break. Due to hormones issue she became overweight. “It was mentally and physically challenging for me last year. I’m happy to have made a comeback that too ahead of the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games starting September 19,” says Ancy Sojan.

It has been a long journey for Ancy Sojan. From the rural region of Kerala she made a massive impact in the women’s long jump event in the country.

EOM