Indian athletics witnessed a proud moment on Friday as rising star Pooja leapt into the spotlight with a gold medal in the women’s high jump event at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, held in Gumi, South Korea. The 18-year-old athlete cleared an impressive 1.89 meters, recording her season-best performance and setting a new Under-20 national record, rewriting her own previous mark.
A Golden Leap for Indian High Jump
With this gold medal, Pooja became only the second Indian woman in history to win a high jump medal at the prestigious continental event. The first was the legendary Bobby Aloysius, who won gold in 2000 and later added a silver in 2002. Pooja’s success, coming after a gap of more than two decades, is a significant achievement not just for her personally, but also for Indian athletics as a whole.
The high jump final saw stiff competition from seasoned jumpers across Asia, but Pooja stood tall — literally and metaphorically — with her precise technique, composure under pressure, and a winning leap that outshone all her competitors.
A New Benchmark for India’s Youth in Athletics
At just 18 years old, Pooja’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy. Breaking her own U-20 national record shows her rapid progress and strong consistency. She has been steadily climbing the ranks over the past year, participating in multiple domestic and international competitions. Her performance in Gumi is now the new benchmark for young Indian athletes aiming to make a mark on the international athletics scene.
Pooja’s 1.89-meter clearance was not only a personal best for the season but also demonstrated that she has the potential to challenge international standards in the coming years. With continued training and experience, crossing the 1.90-meter mark seems well within reach.
A Star in the Making
Hailing from a modest background, Pooja’s journey to the top has been filled with determination, discipline, and hard work. Coaches and athletics experts have long seen her as one of India’s most promising high jumpers, and this win at the Asian Championships validates that belief.
Her coach praised her focus and resilience, especially in the final rounds of the competition. “She kept her cool when it mattered most,” he said. “That’s what champions are made of. She is only getting started, and we expect great things from her in the future.”
Building on the Legacy of Bobby Aloysius
Bobby Aloysius, the first Indian woman to win an Asian Championship medal in high jump, has long been an inspiration to upcoming jumpers. Her achievements paved the way for future generations. Now, with Pooja’s gold, a new chapter begins.
Speaking about Pooja’s win, Bobby commented, “It’s heartening to see an Indian girl standing on top of the podium again in this event. It takes a lot of mental strength and perseverance to compete at this level, and I’m so proud of Pooja. This is just the beginning.”
India’s Growing Presence in Field Events
Pooja’s gold medal is a testament to India’s rising stature in field events at the Asian level. In recent years, Indian athletes have shown remarkable performances in long jump, javelin throw, and shot put, alongside track events. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has also increased investment in infrastructure and grassroots training programs, aiming to develop a new generation of champions.
AFI officials were quick to congratulate Pooja on her win and emphasized the importance of supporting athletes like her with long-term planning, nutritional support, and international exposure.
Pooja’s Road Ahead: Eyes on the World Stage
Following her stellar performance at the Asian Championships, all eyes are now on Pooja’s future. With the World Athletics U20 Championships and potential qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympics, the stage is set for her to establish herself among the global elite.
Experts believe that with targeted coaching, sports science support, and experience at international meets, she could soon become a regular on the podium at global events. For now, her focus will likely shift to fine-tuning her technique and improving her consistency at heights above 1.90 meters.
A Moment of National Pride
Pooja’s triumph brought joy and pride across the Indian sporting community. Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages from athletes, coaches, fans, and even politicians. Her performance served as a morale booster not just for track and field fans, but also for aspiring young athletes across the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), India’s Sports Minister wrote, “Congratulations to Pooja on winning the gold at the Asian Athletics Championships! Her remarkable performance and dedication inspire millions of young athletes. The nation is proud of you.”
A Bright Future for Indian Athletics
Pooja’s gold medal at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships is more than just a personal victory — it is a symbol of India’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with in international athletics. It also signals a resurgence in women’s high jump, reviving memories of past glory and sparking hope for future dominance.
As Pooja returns home with her gold medal and a national record, she carries with her the aspirations of an entire nation. Her story is one of hard work, resilience, and the unshakable belief that Indian athletes can shine on any stage — and with her, the sky is truly the limit.