Pooja, a 17-year-old high jumper from Haryana, has made history by raising the bar—literally and figuratively—at the National Junior Athletics Championships 2024.
Competing in the high jump event of the heptathlon, Pooja cleared an astounding height of 1.85 meters, breaking her own U20 Women’s High Jump National Record of 1.83 meters.
In her debut heptathlon event, Pooja also won gold with the national record with 5102 points. Pooja will now be preparing for the All India Inter University Championships, starting on 26th December.
The earlier record of 1.83 meters was set by Pooja a the U20 World Athletics Championship in Lima, Peru. At the Junior Nationals, she cleared 1.82 meters on her first attempt before achieving 1.85 meters on her third attempt.
Although there was some debate about whether high jump marks in heptathlon events could count as individual records, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Technical Committee has officially recognised her performance as the new U20 National Record in High Jump also.
Pooja’s Achievements on the World Stage
Pooja also represented India at the U20 World Athletics Championships 2024 in Lima, Peru. She was among the few Indian athletes to qualify for the finals, where she cleared 1.83 meters, setting a new U20 National Record in women’s high jump.
This achievement made her the only finalist to break her own national record during the competition. Although she finished seventh in the finals after narrowly missing a 1.84-meter jump, Pooja set her sights on surpassing her previous mark, which she eventually accomplished at the Junior Nationals.
Pooja’s remarkable progress over the past year is noteworthy. She clinched the gold medal at the U18 Asian Championships last year and represented India at the prestigious Asian Games.
Pooja’s Inspirational Journey
Pooja’s journey to becoming a junior national champion is a testament to her grit and determination. She began her athletic career at the age of 10, with unwavering support from her parents. Initially dabbling in gymnastics, kabaddi, and yoga, Pooja’s potential in high jump was discovered by her coach, Balwan Singh.
In her early training days, Pooja lacked proper facilities. She trained with makeshift equipment, using grass (Parli’s Busha) as a landing mat and a wooden stick as a pole. Despite these challenges, Pooja’s hard work and discipline set her apart.
Pooja’s Eyes on Asian Games 2026
Pooja’s target for this year is 1.85m height which she cleared at junior national, now the Pooja’s new target is to cross the 1.90m mark. As per her Coach Balwan Singh, Pooja needs to cross 1.90m mark for at least a medal in Asian games, which will be their target.
Coach Balwan Singh believes Pooja has the potential to become one of India’s finest high jumpers. Her next goals include the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_znM5jJB_0
Pooja’s rise is a source of inspiration for young athletes across the nation, proving that talent combined with perseverance can break barriers and set new records.
