Ancy Sojan breaks Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old national long jump record at Inter-State Championships

Kerala's Ancy Sojan broke Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old national long jump record on Saturday.

Updated on: Jun 27, 2026, 21:29:25 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Kerala long jumper Ancy Sojan broke Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old national record on Day 4 of the National Inter-State Champions in Bhubaneshwar on Saturday. Sojan registered a stunning effort of 6.88m, bettering George's 6.83m, which she bagged at the 2004 Olympics.

Ancy Sojan broke Anju Bobby George's record. (PTI)

Sojan's record-breaking jump came in her fifth attempt. She started off on a strong note, registering 6.73m in her first attempt. In her final attempt, she bagged a jump of 6.69m.

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She also met the Asian Games qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India.

Sojan is a rising track and field star in India and has established herself as the leading force in women's long jump. She was born on March 1, 2001, in Thissur, Kerala, and also represents the Indian Navy and Services in some domestic competitions. She is a Chief Petty Officer in the Indian Navy, too.

She first caught everyone's attention at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she clinched silver with a jump of 6.63m. She also got a silver at the 2025 Asian Athletics C'ships and a bronze at the 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, which showcased her talent and potential. In the Federation Cup earlier this season, she also improved her personal best and has now backed it up with a record-breaking jump.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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