Anju Bobby George's kin, well-wishers in gloom

The natives of star athlete Anju Bobby Geroge's hometown were a disappointed lot after the India's best effort failed to fetch a medal in the long jump final at Athens.

The natives of star athlete Anju Bobby Geroge's hometown were a disappointed lot after the Indian's best effort failed to fetch her a medal in the long jump final at the Athens Olympics.

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Anju's residence was agog with expectations on Friday night as her friends, relatives and well-wishers along with her parents gathered to catch the action live on television.

The Paris World Championship bronze medallist's first jump, a new national record, of 6.83 metres, was greeted with loud applause, with her father KJ Markose and brother Ajit being the cheerleaders. Anju's mother Gracy, meanwhile, fervently continued her private prayers.

A large number of journalists, both from the print and electronic media, were also present at Anju's house at Cheeranchira in Kottayam district.

But the elation soon turned to bitter disappointment with Anju finishing sixth in the final, shattering the high expectations of millions of sports lovers across the country.

However, Markose said Anju's feat of improving on her national record was something to be proud of, though lady luck did not smile on her. But her mother could not control her emotions and wept on hearing the disappointing news.

Anju's in-laws' house at Peravoor in Kannur district also wore a gloomy look after the Indian's Olympic dream was over.