Indian Pole Vaulter Baranica Elangovan Breaks National Record

Baranica Elangovan needed just one attempt to make history at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The 29-year-old pole vaulter cleared 4.22 meters, breaking India's women's pole vault record that had stood since 2022.

The achievement topped Rosy Meena Paulraj's previous mark of 4.21 meters. World Athletics doesn't distinguish between indoor and outdoor records for pole vault, meaning Elangovan's jump will become the official national standard once ratified by the Athletics Federation of India.

This wasn't a lucky break for the three-time outdoor national champion. Elangovan has been building toward this moment all season, winning gold earlier this month at the Indian Open Jumps Competition with a 4.10-meter vault that matched the entry standard for the 2026 Asian Games.

The National Indoor Athletics Championships showcased depth across Indian track and field. Mohammed Afsal P, an Asian Games silver medalist, claimed the men's 800-meter title with a time of 1:47.86. Praveen Chithravel, better known as a triple jump record holder, finished a close second in long jump at 7.78 meters, just two centimeters behind winner Sarun Payasingh.

Why This Inspires

Elangovan's record represents more than one athlete's personal best. It signals India's growing strength in technical field events that require years of specialized training and equipment. Her consistency this season shows what's possible when talent meets preparation and opportunity.

The inaugural indoor championships gave athletes a chance to compete during the off-season and set the stage for international competitions ahead. With the Asian Games on the horizon, India's track and field athletes are peaking at exactly the right time.