After a brief hiatus, Ancy is back on the track. She plans to make a strong comeback in the beginning of 2026 season to set a positive tone. Her first stop is Asian Indoor meet in Tianjin from February 6 to 8 in China.
“Mental well-being of an athlete plays a vital role in progressive performance chart,” explains Ancy Sojan, Asian Games silver medallist in women’s long jump.
Mental development, however, is often overlooked because of regular good performance at international level, Ancy told Sportsbackstory.com, before leaving for Asian Indoor meet in China starting February 6.
The international jumper from Kerala has to temporarily halt her training in the middle of the last season due to ill-health. Medical examination revealed she had a hormone issue and she became overweight.
“When I wasn’t able to practice due to ill health that was the time other aspects of athlete development came to mind,” recalls the 24 years old long jumper.
“It was a challenging time for me. I was confused because I couldn’t practice due to health issues. Sitting ideal for three long months was mentally taxing. The feeling of emptiness was difficult to explain to close friends and family. I had never experienced such a feeling since I started athletics in 2016.”
Constant consolation by her coach (James Hillier) and family enabled her to regain her confidence. Proper diagnosis and medication improved Ancy’s health.
Ancy plans to start her 2026 season on a promising note. She has been selected for the national team to compete at the upcoming Asian Indoor in China starting February 6. “There is no health issue. All is good. I’m on the right track,” she told Sportsbackstory.com.
“A good performance on her debut at continental meet in China will further build up for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.”
Ancy’s season best in 2025 was 6.54m. Her personal best of 6.71m was recorded in 2024.
The former sprinter- turned-long jumper says she has to be more consistent. The only way to have a steady performance graph is the stay away from injuries. It also means I’ve to chalk out a plan not to burn out by competing in too many events,” she says.
She also has an eye on the two decades old national record of 6.83m set by Anju Bobby George in 2004. “I still have age on my side. All I’ve to do is stay injury free to enter my name in record books,” she explains.
EOM
