Shaili Singh, the 21-year-old Indian long jumper, achieved a monumental feat by breaking the 23-year-old Federation Cup record held by her mentor, Anju Bobby George. Shaili’s jump of 6.64 meters surpassed Anju’s 6.59 meters set in 2002 at the National Federation Cup Athletics Championships held at Maharaja’s College Ground in Ernakulam. For Shaili, surpassing such a remarkable mark was not only a personal achievement but also an emotional moment of pride, as Anju has been her guiding light in the sport.
A Proud Moment for Shaili
Shaili expressed her emotions after her victory, stating, “Breaking Anju Ma’am’s long-standing Federation Cup record is a moment of pride for me. Her achievements have always been my inspiration, and to follow in her footsteps means everything. This record stood for 23 years because of how exceptional she was, and I’m honoured to now be part of this legacy.” Shaili, known for her hard work and determination, sees this achievement as just the beginning of her journey, hoping to achieve even more and continue making the country proud.
Anju’s Role and Support
What made Shaili’s achievement even more special was the presence of Anju Bobby George, who stood right beside her during the momentous occasion. Anju, a legend in the sport and now a mentor to the next generation of athletes, was not only the record holder but also the one who presented Shaili with her gold medal. This symbolic act marked a passing of the baton from one generation to the next, representing the continuity of excellence in Indian athletics.
Anju, reflecting on Shaili’s accomplishment, shared her happiness, saying, “I always knew that she would break my record. This is a perfect anniversary gift for me. Now I’m waiting for Shaili to break my national record.” Anju, who has been instrumental in Shaili’s development, also emphasized the significance of Shaili’s achievement, saying, “Records are meant to be broken, and I’m thrilled to see Shaili accomplish this feat. Watching her growth has been like witnessing the next chapter of Indian athletics unfold.” Anju’s pride in her protégé was clear as she praised Shaili’s dedication and potential.
This record-breaking jump by Shaili signifies more than just a personal achievement—it marks the continued rise of Indian women in sports, with Shaili showing the bright future ahead for athletics in the country.
