In the heart of Haryana’s Fatehabad district lies Bangaon, a small village often dubbed the “Mini Finland of Haryana” and also javelin hub of Haryana due to its remarkable contribution to javelin throwing. Among its emerging talents is Deepika, a young javelin thrower whose meteoric rise has captured the attention of India’s athletics community.
At just 19, Deepika has already etched her name into the record books, breaking national youth records and drawing comparisons to her idol, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. Her journey from a humble background to becoming one of India’s brightest prospects is a testament to grit, discipline, and raw talent.
Deepika’s story begins in the quiet village of Bangaon. The daughter of a farmer, she grew up in a modest setting, where opportunities for sports, especially for women, were scarce. Yet, Bangaon’s growing reputation as a javelin hub provided a unique environment for Deepika to discover her passion. As a child, she was captivated by watching local athletes train near her home, mimicking their throwing techniques with curiosity and enthusiasm. This early exposure sparked a dream that would soon transform her life. Unlike many of her peers who gravitated toward Haryana’s popular sports like boxing or wrestling, Deepika found her calling in javelin throwing, inspired by Neeraj Chopra’s historic
Olympic gold in 2020. Her decision to pursue javelin wasn’t just a choice of sport but a bold step toward breaking barriers in a region where societal expectations often limit women’s ambitions. With determination and a natural flair for the sport, Deepika caught the eye of coach Hanuman Singh, a pivotal figure in her journey.
The Mentorship of Hanuman Singh
Hanuman Singh, a seasoned coach who runs a training academy in an unconventional setting—an abandoned chicken farm—saw something special in Deepika. Under his guidance, she began her transformation from a curious onlooker to a disciplined athlete. Hanuman’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline and consistency, qualities that Deepika embodies. “She does whatever she is asked to do. It is the discipline that has helped her break one record after another, ” Hanuman has said, highlighting her work ethic. Deepika’s early training focused on building her fitness, as her strength was initially on the lower side.
Over time, Hanuman refined her technique, helping her maximize her throws despite physical limitations. This technical finesse, combined with her relentless drive, set the stage for her rapid ascent in the sport. Even mundane tasks, like fetching water for the academy, became part of her routine, grounding her in humility while she chased greatness.
Deepika’s competitive journey is a story of consistent improvement and record-breaking feats. At 16, she announced her arrival on the national stage by setting an under-16 national record with a throw of 49.31 meters at the National Javelin Throw Championship in 2021. This was just the beginning. In 2022, she smashed her own under-18 national record multiple times, first with a 51.84-meter throw at the National Youth Athletics Championships in Bhopal, then with an Asia-leading 53.36 meters at the National Junior Athletics Championships in Guwahati.
Her performances at the Khelo India Youth Games have been equally impressive. In 2020, she won a silver medal in Guwahati, but by 2024, she was dominating the competition, clinching gold with a personal best of 56.79 meters in Chennai, breaking her own meet record. This throw not only secured her place as a top junior thrower but also showcased her ability to perform under pressure. Deepika’s consistency is remarkable her throws regularly surpass the 50-meter mark, a feat that sets her apart from her peers.
In 2024, despite missing the World Athletics U20 Championships due to illness, Deepika bounced back with a gold medal at the South Asian Junior Athletics Championship, throwing 54.98 meters. Her training partner, Poonam, took silver, underscoring the strength of Hanuman’s coaching academy. In 2025, Deepika returned from a five-month break to rewrite the under-20 national record with a 56.41-meter throw at the Indian Open Athletics Meet in Punjab, cementing her status as India’s top junior thrower.
In August 2025, Deepika achieved a new personal best of 57.19 meters and another U-20 record at the 64th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2025 which was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from August 20 to 24, 2025, further elevating her record.
Recent Performances: A Glimpse of Greatness
Deepika’s recent performances highlight her growing prowess. Her 56.79-meter throw at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 was a personal best and a meet record, earning her widespread acclaim. At the South Asian Junior Athletics Championship, she dominated with all six throws exceeding 50 meters, a consistency that her coach believes could have earned her a podium finish at the U20 World Championships had she not fallen ill.
In July 2025, Deepika’s 56.41-meter throw at the Indian Open Athletics Meet not only broke her own under-20 national record but also placed her among India’s top 10 all-time throwers in the senior circuit. Her ability to deliver three throws over 54 meters in a single competition speaks to her technical precision and mental fortitude. These performances have established her as a force to be reckoned with, even as she competes in a country brimming with javelin talent. More recently, in August 2025, she further improved her personal best to 57.19 meters at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, securing silver and breaking another under-20 national record.
Deepika’s journey is far from over, and her potential is boundless. Coach Hanuman Singh has set an ambitious goal for her: to cross the 60-meter mark by the end of 2025. This milestone would place her among the elite in women’s javelin throwing, a significant step toward international success. With her sights set on the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028, Deepika is on a clear path to global stardom.
Her disciplined approach and ability to learn from setbacks, such as missing the U20 World Championships, make her a strong contender for future accolades. Hanuman’s optimism is infectious: “She’s always been consistent and disciplined. We’re working toward the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.” With India’s javelin infrastructure improving, thanks to increased government support and corporate sponsorships, Deepika has access to better facilities and training opportunities, which will be crucial for her growth. Challenges and Strengths
Deepika’s reserved nature off the field contrasts sharply with her fierce competitiveness on it. She’s known for her shy demeanor, often responding to media questions with smiles and giggles, deferring to her coach for answers. This humility, while endearing, could be a hurdle as she navigates the spotlight that comes with success. However, her ability to stay focused and let her performance speak for itself is a strength that will serve her well.
Physically, Deepika is still developing the strength needed to compete with the world’s best. Her current throws rely heavily on her refined technique, but as she builds muscle and hones her skills, her distances are expected to increase significantly. The support of her coach and the inspiration drawn from Neeraj Chopra’s achievements provide a strong foundation for her to push her limits.
A Bright Future for Indian Javelin
Deepika’s rise is part of a broader javelin revolution in India, sparked by Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic success. With athletes like Annu Rani and Sachin Yadav also making waves, the sport is gaining unprecedented popularity. Deepika’s story resonates because it reflects the dreams of countless young athletes from small towns, proving that talent and hard work can overcome any obstacle. As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Deepika remains a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in Bangaon and beyond. Her journey from fetching water for her coach’s academy to breaking national records is a powerful narrative of resilience and ambition.
With the 60-meter mark in sight and major international competitions on the horizon, Deepika is poised to carry India’s javelin legacy forward, one record-breaking throw at a time. In a sport where every centimeter counts, Deepika’s story is a reminder that greatness often begins in the most unassuming places. As she continues to chase her dreams, India watches with bated breath, eager to see how far this young star will soar.
