With the Asian Games around the corner, all eyes are on World U20 silver medallist in women’s long jump Shaili Singh. But she is yet to fully recover from left ankle injury

The World U20 silver medallist Shaili Singh from Anju Bobby George’s stable is yet to showcase her potential at a bigger stage in the seniors.

With the 2026 Asian Games starting September around the corner, all eyes are on the 22 years old long jumper but she is yet to fully recover from a left ankle niggle she had sustained last year.

On Saturday during the third leg of Indian Athletics Series in Delhi, she had one valid jump of 6.24m as her left ankle wasn’t stable due to a niggle which spoiled her rhythm. But she was hopeful of a faster recovery. “I’ve a painful ankle but will recover soon,” she told Sportsbackstory.com on Saturday.

During the competition a physio attended to her to check her painful ankle. Despite that she could not achieve her goal of improving her season best of 6.52m that was recorded on April 4 in Bengaluru.

After her first attempt of 6.24m in Delhi on Saturday, Shaili Singh struggled to find her rhythm due to a painful ankle. “Last week I competed in Bengaluru. Couldn’t get proper rest after that which was why the pain has recurred,” she added. “I will take a break and get better as the next competition is in May.”

The 22 years old long jumper finished a disappointing fifth (6.48m) at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held in China in 2023. She has a personal best of 6.76m set in 2023 and yet to repeat that performance despite enjoying regular international exposure.

EOM