Indian Long Jumper Ancy Sojan Targets Historic 7-Meter Leap

Ancy Sojan didn't celebrate for long after breaking one of Indian athletics' oldest records. The 25-year-old long jumper leaped 6.88 meters earlier this year, surpassing Anju Bobby George's mark that had stood since 2004, but her eyes were already fixed on the next barrier.

"I never targeted the record. I always targeted seven metres," Ancy told Olympics.com. She wants to be the first Indian woman to reach that milestone, a feat that would put her among an elite group of jumpers worldwide.

Growing up, Ancy looked up to Anju, the first Indian to win a World Championships medal. Beating her hero's record was emotional, but Ancy sees seven meters as the true measure of extraordinary achievement. "I want to do something extraordinary or something different," she said.

The gap may be just 12 centimeters, but Ancy knows every millimeter requires work. She's identified runway speed and takeoff power as key areas for improvement. "It is achievable, but not easily," she admitted. "I need to push harder again and again."

The Ripple Effect

Ancy isn't climbing alone. Fellow Indian jumper Shaili Singh has emerged as both competitor and motivator, hitting 6.76 meters at age 18 in 2023. Rather than viewing Shaili as a threat, Ancy credits her with raising everyone's game.

"When she performed, I started pushing and I got my personal best the same year," Ancy explained. The friendly rivalry benefits both athletes, pushing Indian women's long jump toward world-class standards. Young jumper Mubassina Mohammed has now crossed 6.50 meters too, showing the depth growing in Indian athletics.

Ancy believes breaking the seven-meter barrier will inspire the next generation. "Once a person hits that mark, everybody gets the courage and spirit that they can also do the same," she said.

Her next shot comes at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. After winning silver at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, she's hungry for gold. She dreams of standing on the podium hearing India's national anthem, watching the flag rise with tears in her eyes.

Training at the Reliance Foundation, Ancy says she's in better shape than ever. "Reliance Foundation is like a home away from home," she shared, crediting the support system for her progress.

Either seven meters or Asian Games gold would make 2026 unforgettable, but Ancy is ready to chase both dreams at once.