22 Years Later, a New Queen of the Long Jump! Ancy Sojan Breaks Anju Bobby George's National Record

For 22 years, one mark stood untouched in Indian athletics. Set by the legendary Anju Bobby George at the 2004 Athens Olympics, the national women's long jump record of 6.83 metres had become one of the country's most enduring achievements. On Saturday, that record finally found a new owner.At the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, Ancy Sojan leapt an astonishing 6.88 metres, rewriting history with a jump that announced the arrival of India's newest long jump star.A Leap That Changed HistoryThe 25-year-old from Thrissur, Kerala, produced the record-breaking jump on her fifth attempt at the Kalinga Stadium. She had already impressed with an opening jump of 6.73 metres, before reaching her career-defining moment with the 6.88m effort. Her final jump measured 6.69m, capping off a memorable evening.The leap not only erased Anju Bobby George's long-standing national record but also helped Ancy achieve the Athletics Federation of India's qualification mark for the Asian Games, making the feat even more significant.As soon as the distance flashed on the scoreboard, Ancy dropped to the track in celebration, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what she had accomplished.A Daughter's DreamBehind every great champion is a story of perseverance, and Ancy's journey is no exception. Her father, Sojan, once dreamt of becoming an athlete himself. Financial hardships forced him to abandon those ambitions and earn a living as an auto-rickshaw driver in Kerala. Instead of chasing his own dreams, he devoted himself to nurturing his daughter's.Speaking to The Indian Express, Ancy said that her father drove an auto-rickshaw his whole life to support her and that she owed everything to her parents. Watching from home due to an injury, her father struggled to contain his emotions. He said that it was a dream come true and that his family's years of sacrifice had finally paid off.Initially a sprinter, she competed in the 100m and 200m events until coach Kannan spotted her potential and encouraged her to switch to the long jump—a decision that transformed her career. Today, she trains under coach Anoop Joseph, whose guidance has helped her steadily climb the international rankings.A Chief Petty Officer in the Indian Navy, Ancy also represents the Services in domestic competitions, balancing military duties with elite athletics.A Star on the RiseAncy has been knocking on history's door for the past few years. She claimed a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, followed it with another silver at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, and secured bronze at the 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships.Earlier this season, she improved her personal best at the Federation Cup. Now, she has backed it up with the biggest achievement of her career.