The 19-year-old from Rajasthan has taken an unconventional route to the top, overcoming limited resources and injuries to become India’s newest junior pole vault record-holder.
When Chuki Birda cleared 3.91 metres at the 41st National Junior Athletics Championships in Chennai, she did more than win a gold medal. The 19-year-old from Rajasthan broke the women’s U20 national pole vault record, taking another significant step in a sporting journey that began with little knowledge of the event and even fewer resources.
Her clearance improved the previous national record of 3.90m, set by Vanshika Ghanghas in 2025, and surpassed the championship record of 3.80m.
Kerala’s Jeena Basil finished second with 3.80m, while Madhya Pradesh’s Tanishka Dayma took bronze with 3.50m.
Unlike many athletes who specialise in an event from an early age, Birda’s sporting journey began with kabaddi. She subsequently explored running and hurdles before finding her way into pole vault, one of athletics’ most technically demanding disciplines.
Her early promise was recognised by Ram Nivas Sahu, a government school teacher who became an important figure in her development.
Sahu first noticed Birda’s running ability during a school disciplinary exercise. Recognising her speed and athleticism, he encouraged her to pursue competitive sport.
Neither athlete nor mentor initially had much experience with pole vault. They began studying techniques through YouTube videos, gradually familiarising themselves with the event’s demanding combination of sprinting, take-off mechanics, pole handling and aerial coordination.
For a young athlete without access to specialised facilities, even acquiring the appropriate equipment presented a challenge.
Support eventually arrived through IAS officer Nidhi Chaudhari, a former classmate of Sahu, and the Mumbai-based Parmarth Seva Samiti. Their assistance helped provide pole vault equipment reportedly worth approximately ₹10 lakh.
That intervention proved important in allowing Birda to continue developing in an event where equipment and specialist coaching are essential.
Chuki Birda’s Progression in Pole Vault
Birda’s performances have shown encouraging improvement over the past two seasons.
At the 2025 U20 Federation Championships, she cleared 3.50m to finish third, behind national record-holder Vanshika Ghanghas.
In 2026, she continued competing at national-level meetings, recording 3.20m at the Indian Open Jumps Competition and 3.40m at the U20 Federation Championships.
Her breakthrough came in Chennai, where she raised her personal best to 3.91m.
Birda now trains in Haryana under Captain Ramdari Singh, having also navigated several injuries during her development.
What Next for India’s New U20 Pole Vault Record-Holder?
India’s women’s pole vault has made progress in recent years, but the gap to international standards remains considerable.
Birda’s record is an encouraging development, particularly because her journey highlights how talent can emerge from unlikely circumstances when teachers, families and support organisations provide opportunities.
At 19, she is approaching the transition from junior to senior athletics, where technical consistency, improved strength and access to quality competition will become increasingly important.
Her immediate challenge will be building on the 3.91m clearance rather than allowing one record-breaking performance to define her career.