Ankita Dhyani Breaks National Record in 2000m Steeplechase, Wins Gold in Jerusalem
On August 14, 2025, India’s rising athletics star Ankita Dhyani etched her name into history by setting a new national record in the women’s 2000m steeplechase. Competing at the Grand Slam Jerusalem 2025, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, the 23-year-old Olympian clocked 6 minutes 13.92 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 6:14.38 held by Asian Games gold medallist Parul Chaudhary. Ankita’s victory was made even sweeter as she won over a strong international field, including Israel’s Adva Cohen (6:15.20) and Denmark’s Juliane Hvid (6:17.80), both of whom clocked personal bests. The win not only brought her the gold medal but also boosted her ranking points for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.Breaking Records, Building DreamsThe 2000m steeplechase, though not an Olympic event, is a demanding race that requires both speed and endurance. For Ankita, breaking the national record was a culmination of months of focused training, from high-altitude endurance sessions to technical drills that refined her hurdle and water jump techniques. Her record-breaking run was a statement of intent, proving she has the fitness and form to challenge the best in the 3000m steeplechase, the official World Championships, and the Olympic distance. From Pauri Garhwal to the World StageBorn in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, Ankita’s journey reflects the struggles and determination of countless young athletes from India’s hills and small towns. Training on uneven tracks and balancing academics with sports, she often ran with limited resources. Yet her hard work carried her forward. Her first major breakthrough came with a bronze medal in the 5000m at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok. The following year, she represented India in the 5000m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, an experience that gave her exposure to the world’s elite runners. In 2025, she began focusing on the steeplechase, a switch that has rapidly paid off.Consistency Across the SeasonThe Jerusalem gold was not a one-off success. Ankita has been in stellar form throughout the 2025 athletics season. In March 2025, she won the 3000 m steeplechase title at the Mangrum Invitational in the US. At the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi (Korea), she finished a strong fifth in the 3000m steeplechase. In July 2025, she secured silver at the FISU World University Games, clocking a personal best of 9:31.99 in the 3000m steeplechase. These consistent performances have placed her firmly among India’s top middle-distance and steeplechase runners, while also ensuring she gathers valuable world ranking points ahead of the Tokyo World Championships. The National Record and Its SignificanceThe previous national record of 6:14.38, set by Parul Chaudhary, stood as a benchmark of excellence in Indian athletics. By breaking it, Ankita not only created history but also set a new standard for Indian women’s distance running. Indian athletics officials hailed the achievement as a breakthrough moment. She comes from a modest background where resources were scarce, yet her dream was boundless. Family support, especially from her parents, who encouraged her to pursue athletics despite financial struggles, has been central to her journey.Looking Ahead: The Road to TokyoThe Grand Slam Jerusalem win has boosted Ankita’s confidence and ranking points ahead of the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. Her coach and training staff believe she is peaking at the right time, with the ability to clock under 9:30 in the 3000m steeplechase, a time that could push her into the finals on the world stage. For Ankita, the Tokyo Championships represent not just another competition, but a platform to test herself against the best in the world and prepare for the long journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Ankita Dhyani’s record-breaking run in Jerusalem is more than a sporting achievement; it is a moment of national pride. Her journey from the hills of Uttarakhand to international tracks is a reminder that with determination, Indian athletes can shine globally. As the tricolor flies high, Ankita’s golden victory offers hope that India’s athletics future is bright and that dreams nurtured in small towns can indeed conquer the world stage.