In what comes as a big blow to Indian athletics, Pooja Singh, the newly crowned Asian champion in women’s high jump, has been ruled out of the upcoming World University Games and the Interstate Championships.
She suffered a Grade-2 ligament tear during a routine training session last month. The injury is expected to keep the teenager from Haryana out of action for most of the current season, marking a frustrating pause in what had been a meteoric rise.
Just a few weeks ago, Pooja was on top of Asia. At the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships held in Gumi, South Korea in May, the 18-year-old from Bosti village soared to gold, clearing a personal best height of 1.89 metres.
Her leap not only clinched the gold medal but also ended India’s 25-year wait for a women’s high jump gold at the continental showpiece making her the first Indian woman since 2000 to achieve this feat. The victory was widely celebrated back home, with many hailing Pooja as one of the brightest prospects for Indian track and field in the lead-up to major events like the World University Games, the Asian Games, and even the Olympics.
However, the narrative shifted unexpectedly on 12 June. During a hurdle drill in training, Pooja stumbled, knocking over a hurdle and landing awkwardly.
What initially appeared to be a minor fall turned out to be more serious: a Grade-2 ligament tear, which generally requires several weeks, if not months, of careful rehabilitation. Speaking to the media, Pooja’s coach Balwant Singh confirmed that the young athlete’s return to competition is likely only in October, ruling her out of the World University Games where she was considered a medal favourite and the upcoming Interstate meet.
The news comes as a particular disappointment given Pooja’s momentum this season. After clearing 1.89m in Gumi, she had set her sights on breaking the national record of 1.92 metres.
By all accounts, her training had been progressing well, and she was regarded as one of India’s most technically sound jumpers in recent years. The timing of the injury feels especially cruel: just as Pooja had begun to make her mark internationally, her campaign has been interrupted.
This setback is also symptomatic of a broader challenge faced by Indian athletics: the delicate issue of injury management, particularly for young athletes who suddenly transition from national to international stages.
Over the years, India has seen several promising junior athletes suffer injuries at key points in their careers names like Priya Mohan, Rupal Chaudhary, Rohit Yadav, Shaili Singh, Hima Das, and Rozana Malik come to mind. The pattern is troubling: just when these athletes appear ready to take the next step, injury forces them into months of rehabilitation and uncertainty.
Part of the problem lies in the intense demands of elite sport: technical events like high jump, long jump, and hurdles require explosive power, precise technique, and frequent competition exposure. Combined with sometimes limited access to sports science support, physiotherapy, and periodised training plans, young athletes often find themselves vulnerable to overuse injuries or training accidents. Pooja’s fall over a hurdle during a routine drill is a stark reminder that even everyday training carries risks if not carefully managed.
Yet, there remains optimism around Pooja’s recovery and eventual return. At just 18, she has age firmly on her side. A break from competition though painful in the short term might give her body time to heal fully, reducing the risk of chronic injury later. Her coach and team are reportedly focused on a structured rehabilitation plan, and there’s cautious hope that she could be back in time for the Junior Nationals towards the end of the season.
Pooja’s story so far is already an inspiring one. Growing up in Bosti, Haryana a state renowned for producing wrestling and athletics talent she was drawn to high jump early, standing out for her calm temperament and consistent technique.
Even as a teenager, she showed remarkable focus: in Gumi, she cleared each successive height with confidence, culminating in her 1.89m personal best that sealed the gold. That win also marked India’s return to the high jump podium at the Asian level after a generation, sparking fresh excitement around the event in the country.
The injury setback, then, is not the end of the road but rather an unexpected detour. While Pooja’s absence will be keenly felt at the World University Games and Interstate Championships, the bigger picture is her long-term potential. With careful recovery, balanced training, and the support of her coaching and medical team, she could still return stronger, targeting national records and international podiums in the seasons ahead.
The news of Pooja’s injury came just days after hurdler Jyothi Yarraji another Asian-level medalist was also out for few months with injury. Together, these developments have sparked conversations in Indian athletics circles about the need for better injury prevention strategies, access to sports science, and long-term athlete development plans, especially for young stars making the leap to senior levels.
For now, Pooja remains focused on recovery. “She is in rehab and staying positive,” her coach confirmed. Indian athletics fans will hope that this is just a pause, and that the next time she takes to the high jump apron, she’ll pick up right where she left off chasing 1.92m, breaking records, and inspiring the next generation.
Get well soon, champ the track awaits your return! 🇮🇳💪
