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