From the rustic lanes of Haryana’s Bosti village to smashing national records on elite tracks, 17-year-old Pooja Singh’s journey is a testament to grit, talent, and India’s evolving athletic excellence.
As of May 2025, she stands not just as a prodigy—but as a powerhouse reshaping India’s high jump legacy.
Roots in Rural Haryana Born on February 21, 2007, in Fatehabad district, Haryana, Pooja Singh comes from humble beginnings. Her father works as a mason, and like many young athletes from modest backgrounds, her early training was defined by resourcefulness rather than facilities.
It was during a 2018 government-run yoga camp that her potential was first noticed.
Coach Balwan Singh Patra saw something exceptional in her—particularly in the way she performed advanced asanas like charasana and dhanurasana with remarkable control. “She didn’t have a high jump pit or bar. We began with haystacks and bamboo poles,” Patra recalls.
“But she had the kind of raw coordination and focus that can’t be taught.”
Early Spark and a Major Comeback
Despite the barebones setup, Pooja quickly made waves—winning gold at her first Under-14 meet with a 1.41m jump. However, her momentum was briefly disrupted by a serious injury that kept her off the field for 15 months.
But she returned stronger than ever. At the 2022 Junior Nationals in Guwahati, Pooja broke the U16 national record with a jump of 1.76m—firmly re-establishing herself as one of the top young jumpers in the country.
A Breakout Year: 2023
The year 2023 turned out to be a breakthrough moment in Pooja’s career:
●Gold at the Asian U18 Championships, Tashkent – 1.77m
●Silver at the Asian U20 Championships, Yecheon, South Korea – 1.82m (then personal best)
Represented India at the World Athletics U20 Championships, clearing 1.83m—a new U20 national record
These performances positioned her firmly on the global radar, with her consistency and poise under pressure drawing attention from international coaches and scouts alike.
Dominating the 2024 Season
In December 2024, at the National Junior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, Pooja took things a notch higher. Competing in the heptathlon high jump event, she soared to a personal best of 1.85m, setting another national record in the process. Her upward curve showed no signs of slowing down.
2025: Setting the Bar Even Higher
By early 2025, Pooja’s dominance continued at the National Games in Dehradun, where she registered a meet record of 1.84m, surpassing the previous mark held by Swapna Barman (1.83m). The jump also cleared the Asian Games 2026 qualifying standard, further boosting her international credentials. Her current personal best remains 1.85m, most recently matched in April 2025—showing her growing consistency at elite levels.
Now, the stage is set for one of the most significant tests of her young career. Representing India at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships
Later this month, Pooja Singh will compete at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, to be held from May 27 to 31 in Gumi, South Korea. Having comfortably surpassed the qualifying mark, she enters the championship as one of India’s brightest medal prospects in the women’s high jump.
With athletes from across the continent gathering for one of Asia’s premier track and field events, the Championships will offer Pooja a critical opportunity to benchmark herself against the region’s best and possibly clinch her first senior-level international medal.On the Road to 1.90m—and Beyond
Coach Balwan Singh has set a clear target: 1.90 meters. Crossing that height would put Pooja within striking distance of podium finishes at both the 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Her biomechanics are near perfect for this sport,” Singh says.
“We’re now focused on building strength, precision, and mental resilience. She’s got the heart and the form to go all the way.”
Pooja’s training has become increasingly advanced. With support from athletics federations and sponsors, she now trains under programs that include sports science, nutritional support, psychological conditioning, and high-tech motion analysis.
In an era where Indian athletes are making global headlines, Pooja Singh stands out—not just for what she’s achieved, but for where she’s come from. Her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and sheer determination.
Still just 17, her best years are clearly ahead. But even now, Pooja isn’t just clearing bars—she’s raising the expectations of an entire nation. With the Asian Athletics Championships just days away, all eyes will be on her once
Magain. Because when Pooja takes flight, she doesn’t just aim for the top—she redefines where the top can be.
