Indian athletics witnessed one of its most iconic moments on Saturday as Kerala’s Ancy Sojan shattered the long-standing women’s long jump national record, soaring to a magnificent 6.88m at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026.
The remarkable jump came on her fifth attempt and erased the legendary mark of 6.83m set by Anju Bobby George in 2004. For more than two decades, the record had stood untouched despite several generations of Indian jumpers attempting to surpass it.
Now, that historic benchmark belongs to the 25-year-old Ancy Sojan.
Competing in excellent form, Ancy produced the performance of her career when it mattered most. As the competition reached its decisive stages, she unleashed a near-perfect jump, landing at 6.88m and sending the stadium into celebration. The effort not only secured the national record but also strengthened her status as one of Asia’s leading long jumpers.
Ancy’s rise has been years in the making. The Kerala athlete has steadily developed into a consistent international performer, representing India at major global competitions, including the Asian Games and World Championships. Known for her explosive speed on the runway and technical consistency, she has been among the country’s best jumpers for several seasons.
In recent years, Ancy has repeatedly threatened the national record, producing a series of jumps beyond 6.70m and establishing herself as a genuine medal contender at the continental level. However, surpassing Anju Bobby George’s iconic mark remained one of the biggest challenges in Indian athletics.
That challenge has now been conquered.
The significance of the record extends beyond the numbers. Anju Bobby George’s 6.83m symbolized an era in which Indian athletics first began making a mark on the global stage. Breaking that record signals the arrival of a new generation capable of pushing Indian field events to even greater heights.
Animesh Kujur clinched the men’s 100m title at the 65th National Inter-State Athletics Championships, clocking 10.28 seconds to finish ahead of Maharashtra’s Pranav Gurav, who took silver in 10.39 seconds. While the victory added another national title to Kujur’s growing collection, the final proved to be a disappointing outing for India’s leading sprinters.
Both Kujur and Gurav finished well outside the Asian Games qualification standard of 10.16 seconds, with neither athlete able to produce the kind of times that have recently raised expectations for Indian men’s sprinting.
The result was particularly underwhelming given the extraordinary performances witnessed at the Federation Cup just weeks ago. There, Gurindervir Singh became the first Indian man to break the 10.10-second barrier, setting a sensational national record of 10.09 seconds. The competition also saw the national record rewritten multiple times as Gurindervir and Kujur pushed each other to historic performances, with Kujur himself clocking 10.15 seconds before Gurindervir lowered the mark even further.
Those performances signalled a new era for Indian sprinting and suggested that consistently fast times were becoming the norm. Against that backdrop, the Inter-State final failed to live up to expectations.
Kujur remains one of India’s finest sprinters and has enjoyed a breakthrough season, establishing himself among the country’s fastest ever athletes and emerging as a genuine contender on the Asian stage. However, his winning time of 10.28 seconds was well below the level he has shown himself capable of producing.
With the Asian Games qualification mark still out of reach in this race, India’s top sprinters will now be hoping to rediscover their record-breaking form in the competitions ahead.
The men’s 400m hurdles final at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026 produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the competition, as Palaksha Yashas and T. Santhosh crossed the finish line together in a breathtaking photo finish.
After a fiercely contested race, both athletes were credited with an identical time of *49.14 seconds*, underlining just how evenly matched they were over the full lap of hurdles. The razor-thin margin made for one of the highlights of the championships, with the winner determined only after the photo finish was reviewed.
The result carried even greater significance as *both Yashas and Santhosh comfortably breached the Asian Games qualification standard*, sealing their places for the continental showpiece with outstanding performances.
The race showcased the growing quality and depth in Indian men’s 400m hurdles, with two athletes pushing each other to exceptional times under pressure. Their head-to-head battle not only entertained the crowd but also demonstrated the rising standards in an event that has become one of India’s strongest on the track.
With both Palaksha Yashas and T. Santhosh securing qualification, India will head into the Asian Games with multiple contenders capable of competing at the highest level. Their thrilling duel at the Interstate Championships will be remembered as one of the standout races of the meet and a major boost for Indian athletics.
Vithya Ramraj delivered yet another statement performance at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026, storming to victory in the women’s 400m hurdles with a superb time of 56.07 seconds. The Tamil Nadu athlete looked in complete control throughout the race, comfortably taking the gold medal while reinforcing her status as one of India’s premier quarter-milers over hurdles.
Kerala’s Anu R produced an equally impressive run to finish second, ensuring a thrilling one-two finish. More importantly, both athletes went well under the Asian Games qualifying standard of 57.21 seconds, securing their qualification with plenty to spare.
For Vithya, the performance continues her consistent run of form on the national circuit. The experienced hurdler has been India’s leading name in the event over the past few seasons and once again showcased her ability to deliver when it matters most.
Anu R’s breakthrough performance is equally significant. Going comfortably below the qualification mark highlights the growing strength of Indian women’s 400m hurdles, with multiple athletes now capable of competing at the continental level.
With both Vithya Ramraj and Anu R booking their places for the Asian Games, India heads into the international season with encouraging depth in one of its strongest track events. Their performances at the Interstate Championships underline the steady rise of the women’s 400m hurdles and provide optimism for the challenges ahead.
The men’s triple jump emerged as one of the highest-quality competitions of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, with six athletes surpassing the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) Asian Games qualification standard in a fiercely contested final.
Leading the way was national record holder Praveen Chithravel, who clinched the gold medal with a best leap of 16.92m, reaffirming his position as India’s top triple jumper.
The battle for the podium was intense, with Karthik finishing second after clearing 16.80m, while Selva Prabhu claimed bronze with 16.79m, just one centimetre behind the silver medallist.
Men’s Triple Jump Final
Praveen Chithravel – 16.92m
Karthik – 16.80m
Selva Prabhu – 16.79m
Abdulla – 16.54m
Mohanraj J – 16.53m (Personal Best)
Gailey Venister – 16.48m (Personal Best)
All six athletes bettered the AFI’s qualification standard for the 2026 Asian Games, underlining the remarkable depth that has developed in Indian men’s triple jumping.
Praveen Chithravel, who holds the national record and has represented India at the World Championships and Asian Games, once again showcased his consistency on the domestic circuit. While his winning mark fell short of his personal best, it was enough to secure another national title in a field packed with quality.
One of the biggest positives from the competition was the emergence of new talent. Mohanraj J and Gailey Venister both produced lifetime-best performances, signalling the arrival of a new generation capable of pushing India’s established jumpers.
The close margins throughout the competition reflected the increasing competitiveness of the event. Just 44 centimetres separated the gold medallist from the sixth-place finisher, with five athletes clearing at least 16.50 metres.
The performances also strengthen India’s prospects in the event ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. While achieving the AFI qualification standard is an important milestone, the final composition of the Indian team will be decided by the Athletics Federation of India’s Selection Committee.
India’s top men’s quarter-milers made an emphatic start to their campaign at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, with Vishal TK and Manu TS both dipping under the Asian Games qualification standard in the 400m heats to book their places in the semi-finals.
National record holder Vishal TK clocked 45.95 seconds to win Heat 1, while Manu TS followed with 45.96 seconds in Heat 4. Both performances were inside the Asian Games qualification standard of 45.97 seconds and were the two fastest times recorded across the four heats.
Men’s 400m Heats
- Vishal TK – 45.95s (Heat 1)
- Manu TS – 45.96s (Heat 4)
The performances underline India’s growing strength in the men’s 400m, an event that has witnessed a resurgence in recent years thanks to the emergence of a talented group of quarter-milers.
Vishal, who holds the national record, once again demonstrated why he is regarded as India’s leading one-lap sprinter. Producing a composed run in the opening heat, he comfortably secured qualification while ensuring he remained fresh for the rounds ahead.
Manu TS matched that standard in the final heat, dipping under the qualifying mark by one-hundredth of a second. His run continued his impressive season and strengthened his credentials for selection to India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.
The Inter-State Championships carry added importance this year, serving as the final major domestic competition before the Athletics Federation of India finalises its teams for both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Every qualifying performance is therefore likely to play a significant role in the selection process.
Beyond the individual event, the performances are also encouraging for India’s men’s 4x400m relay prospects. With multiple athletes now capable of running under the qualification standard, the country is building valuable depth in one of its traditionally strongest track disciplines.
Both Vishal and Manu will return to the track later today for the men’s 400m semi-finals, scheduled for 6:40 pm IST, where the battle for places in the final—and ultimately the national title—will intensify.
The women’s 400m produced one of the standout performances of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, with four Indian quarter-milers breaching the Asian Games qualification standard during the heats in Bhubaneswar.
Veteran sprinter Poovamma Raju led the field, clocking 53.35 seconds, the fastest time across all the heats. Close behind were Kiran Pahal in 53.42s, Aishwarya Mishra in 53.61s, and Rashdeep Kaur in 53.69s, with all four athletes comfortably achieving the qualifying mark for the 2026 Asian Games.
Women’s 400m Heats
- Poovamma Raju – 53.35s (Fastest qualifier)
- Kiran Pahal – 53.42s
- Aishwarya Mishra – 53.61s
- Rashdeep Kaur – 53.69s
The performances underline the growing depth in Indian women’s one-lap sprinting, an event in which the country has traditionally enjoyed considerable success, particularly in relay competitions at the continental level.
Poovamma, one of India’s most experienced 400m runners, once again demonstrated her consistency by topping the qualifying charts. A multiple Asian Championships medallist and a key member of India’s relay squads over the past decade, she continues to remain competitive against a younger generation of athletes.
Kiran Pahal, meanwhile, has emerged as one of India’s leading quarter-milers in recent seasons, consistently producing performances at the international qualifying standard. Aishwarya Mishra and Rashdeep Kaur have also shown impressive progress, adding valuable depth to India’s pool of 400m runners ahead of a busy international calendar.
The timing of these performances is particularly significant. With the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games both scheduled later this year, India appears well placed not only in the individual event but also in the women’s 4x400m relay, traditionally one of the country’s strongest disciplines.
The four qualifiers will return to the track later today, when they go head-to-head in the women’s 400m semi-finals, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST.
A forgotten hurdle. A solo re-run. And ultimately, a missed opportunity.
One of the most unfortunate incidents of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships unfolded in the women’s 400m hurdles, where 20-year-old Harshitha was left paying the price for an officiating error that has raised serious questions about athlete welfare and competition management.
Harshitha had initially appeared to have done everything right.
Competing in Heat 1 on Friday evening, she clocked 1:01.03, finishing fourth and seemingly earning a place in the final.
But celebrations were short-lived.
Officials later discovered that one hurdle had not been placed in her lane, meaning she had cleared only nine hurdles instead of the mandatory ten. The error rendered the race invalid for her, despite the mistake being entirely beyond her control.
Following the discovery, officials invoked World Athletics Competition Rule (CR) 18.7, which allows the referee to order a re-run or advancement when an athlete has been adversely affected by circumstances during the competition.
As a result, Harshitha was asked to contest the race again.
This time, she had to run alone.
A Race Against the Clock
The solo re-run was scheduled for 9:30 am on Saturday, just hours before the final.
Unlike her competitors, who advanced through the normal heats, Harshitha faced the unusual task of running without anyone alongside her—a significant disadvantage in an event where pacing and competition often influence performance.
To qualify for the final, she needed to clock under 1:02.00.
She stopped the clock at 1:02.54, missing qualification by 0.54 seconds.
Her Inter-State Championships ended there.
“Everyone Is Running Two Races. I Am Running Three.”
Speaking to the media after the re-run, an emotional Harshitha questioned the fairness of the situation.
“Everyone is running two races, while I am running three.”
She also revealed another troubling aspect of the episode.
“The officials said it was my fault too, as I cleared the adjacent lane’s hurdle yesterday.”
The remark has only intensified the debate surrounding the handling of the incident.
Bigger Questions for Indian Athletics
While the decision to order a re-run was in accordance with World Athletics rules, the episode has highlighted the difficult balance between following regulations and ensuring fairness to athletes.
A 400m hurdles race is built around rhythm, stride pattern and race dynamics. Running alone, without direct competition, presents a very different challenge from racing in a full field.
The incident becomes even more significant because the Inter-State Championships are not just a national competition. They also serve as the final domestic qualifying event for selection to the 2026 Asian Games.
For Harshitha, an officiating lapse meant running an additional race and ultimately missing the final.
The regulations may have been followed.
But the larger question remains: Should an athlete bear the consequences of an officiating error at a championship of this importance?
A shocking incident unfolded during the women’s 400m hurdles at the ongoing Interstate 2026, which also serves as an Asian Games qualifier.
Harshitha, representing Tamil Nadu in Heat 1 (Lane 8), clocked a personal best of 1:01.03, finishing third in her heat and initially qualifying comfortably for the final.
However, after clearing the fourth hurdle, she found that the fifth hurdle in her lane was missing. Confused, she crossed over and cleared the hurdle in Lane 7 before completing the race.
It was later discovered that Lane 8 had only nine hurdles instead of the required ten. nnis Sports reached out to technical officials at the venue. They confirmed that a protest had been lodged but declined to provide any further clarification.
According to a source, Harshitha has now been asked to run alone at 9:30 AM tomorrow and must clock under 1:02.00 to qualify for the final.
This raises a serious question: If the error was on the part of the technical officials, why should the athlete bear the consequences by having to run three races in two days?
Running alone is vastly different from competing alongside other athletes. If she fails to match her earlier time, should she be penalized for an error that was not hers?
Odisha produced an impressive performance in front of the home crowd to win the men’s 4×100m relay title at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026, clocking 39.92s to secure the gold medal.
The host team delivered a composed and efficient race, executing smooth baton exchanges to finish ahead of a competitive field and claim the national title. Their victory added another memorable moment for the home supporters as Odisha celebrated success on its own track.
Tamil Nadu finished close behind to take the silver medal in 40.02s, missing the gold by just one-tenth of a second after a strong challenge throughout the race. Maharashtra completed the podium, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 40.37s.
The final showcased the depth of sprint relay competition in India, with all three medal-winning teams producing sub-41-second performances. The close margins between the leading teams reflected the highly competitive nature of the event and underlined the improving standards of domestic sprinting.
Despite the quality of the performances, the winning time of 39.92s fell short of the Asian Games qualification standard of 38.81s. While the relay squads delivered an entertaining contest and strong national-level performances, they finished just outside the required benchmark for qualification.
The men’s 4×100m relay has continued to grow in competitiveness over recent seasons, with state teams placing increasing emphasis on baton exchanges and relay coordination. The Interstate Championships once again provided an important platform for the country’s best sprinters to compete together and assess their progress ahead of future international competitions.
For Odisha, the victory represents a significant achievement, especially on home soil, where the team capitalised on familiar conditions and home support to emerge victorious. Although the Asian Games qualification mark remained out of reach on this occasion, the championship-winning performance highlighted the team’s potential and added another memorable chapter to the 2026 Interstate Championships.
