India’s rising star Pooja Singh has rewritten the national U20 women’s high jump record, propelling herself into the final of the World Athletics U-20 Championships. The 17-year-old from Fatehbad district of Haryana cleared a height of 1.83m, securing second place in qualification round group B and a ninth overall finish. This impressive performance guarantees her a spot in the final on August 31st.
Pooja’s journey is a testament to her determination and talent. The daughter of a mason, she began her athletic journey at the Parta Sports Academy under coach Balwan Singh. Despite facing limited resources, including the absence of a proper landing mat and equipment, Pooja’s passion for the sport shone through.
Her commitment paid off early, as she secured a gold medal in the U-14 girls’ category with a jump of 1.41m. However, a serious quadricep injury sidelined her for 15 months, putting her athletic dreams on hold. Yet, Pooja’s spirit remained unbroken.
Upon her return, she not only overcame the injury but also achieved remarkable success. In 2022, she won gold in the U-16 girls’ category at the junior nationals, setting a new national record of 1.76m. This was followed by another gold medal in the U-18 category at the youth national championships, further solidifying her position as a rising star in Indian athletics.
Her latest achievement, breaking her own national U-20 record of 1.82m set last year in Korea, is a clear indication of her immense potential. With her unwavering dedication and talent, Pooja is poised to make her mark on the world stage.
