4 min learnBhubaneshwarJun 28, 2026 07:00 AM IST
Ancy Sojan hung within the air for a fraction longer than any Indian lady had in 22 years. When her toes hit the sand, she received up and seemed anxiously on the board for her mark.
When the board learn 6.88m, Ancy dropped on the observe in pleasure. One of many longest-standing nationwide data, held by Anju Bobby George, was overhauled in spectacular trend on the inter-state athletics championships.
Ancy, the 25-year-old from Nattika in Thrissur, not solely broke the nationwide file of 6.83m, which had stood because the 2004 Athens Olympics, but in addition proved that every one the sacrifices she had made over time have been effectively value it.
“This nationwide file is an announcement that India has jumpers who’ve vary and are rising,” Ancy stated after her record-breaking second.
Whereas Ancy glowed in glory on the Kalinga Stadium, her father Sojan was perplexed again dwelling in Thrissur.
“I don’t know what to say. It’s a dream come true and an enormous second for the household. Normally, I come and watch her compete however I couldn’t this time as a consequence of an damage,” an emotional Sojan informed The Indian Categorical from Kerala. “We’re a passionate household who love sports activities. I used to compete as an athlete however needed to depart it as a consequence of monetary constraints.”
Sojan had to surrender on his sporting goals and begin driving an auto-rickshaw to make ends meet for his household. Nonetheless, his ardour by no means pale and he needed one of the best for his daughter.
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“She began with 100m and 200m however ultimately settled for lengthy soar. I actually like watching her compete within the stadium,” he stated.
That’s one thing that Ancy desires to make sure – and never simply in home competitions.
“My father drove an auto rickshaw his entire life in order that I can attain right here. I owe every part to my dad and mom. They gave me all of the assist and trusted me. By no means anticipated that I’d do something in return. He (Sojan) loves watching me in competitions. He hasn’t watched me in worldwide competitions but, and I wish to take my dad and mom there,” stated Ancy.
Ancy Sohan in motion. (AFI picture)
Inspiration from a film
Ancy has been probably the most constant Indian lengthy jumper up to now two years. She began the 2026 season strongly on the Asian Indoor Championships with a bronze medal and registered a private better of 6.75m final month on the Federation Cup.
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However regardless of constantly leaping over 6.50m, she wasn’t getting near the nationwide file.
On saturday, Ancy began with a soar of 6.73m after which adopted it up with 6.67m and 6.72m.
“The primary soar was one and my physique felt actually good. I went to my coach after the fourth soar and he stated, ‘your physique is okay, simply give every part’,” Ancy stated.
When her coach Anoop Joseph stated that she will be able to get the nationwide file, Ancy remembered a scene from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the biopic of 1 India’s biggest athletes.
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“I simply remembered the scene the place he’s carrying the India blazer, and different athletes come and beat him. Then his coach comes and tells him that if he desires to put on the India blazer, he should beat these guys. That scene conjures up me rather a lot. I used to be eager about that earlier than the record-breaking soar,” she stated.
Making of an athlete
It’s a cliche that it takes a village to lift a champion however cliches exist for a cause.
Ancy, who began her athletics profession from Authorities Fisheries College in Nattika and continued at St. Thomas Faculty, Thrissur, acquired assist in lots of types.
“She began from her faculty. First, she used to do sprints like 100m and 200m however then we met coach Kannan who requested her to change to lengthy soar,” stated Sojan.
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She used to get injured rather a lot however everyone used to assist her in the neighborhood. “All the varsity lecturers, physios and coaches round our neighbourhood used to chip in,” he recalled.