Indian Athletes Shine at National Championships with Record-Breaking Performances

Kushare Sets New High Jump Record

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, extended his congratulations to Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare after he achieved a remarkable feat by clearing 2.31 meters at the 2026 National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. This impressive jump surpassed the previous national record of 2.29 meters set by Tejaswin Shankar eight years ago. In a post shared on X, Mandaviya celebrated Kushare's accomplishment, stating, "A milestone leap for Indian athletics! Congratulations to Sarvesh Anil Kushare on setting a new National Record of 2.31m in the Men's High Jump and securing his qualification for the 2026 Asian Games."

Ancy Sojan Breaks Long Jump Record

In another significant achievement for Indian athletics, Ancy Sojan from Kerala made headlines by breaking the long-standing national record in the long jump, previously held by the iconic Anju Bobby George for 22 years. During the National Inter-State Athletics Championships, Ancy, aged 25, leaped an impressive 6.88 meters, surpassing Anju's record of 6.83 meters set during the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Additional Asian Games Qualifiers

Several athletes have also secured their spots for the Asian Games through their outstanding performances at the championships, which are taking place from June 24 to 28 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Notable qualifiers include Dev Meena in the men's pole vault, Jyothi Yarraji in the women's 100m hurdles, Anushka Yadav in the women's hammer throw, and Mohammed Afsal in the men's 800m.