India’s Pooja saw her campaign in the women’s high jump final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 come to an end after failing to clear 1.82m in difficult weather conditions in Glasgow.

Competing in persistent rain, strong winds and chilly temperatures, the 19-year-old produced a determined display to negotiate the opening heights. She cleared 1.72m comfortably before going over 1.77m on her second attempt, keeping herself in contention despite the challenging conditions.

However, 1.82m proved elusive, ending her competition on a night when the weather tested every athlete in the field.

The progression of heights in the final was:
1.72m, 1.77m, 1.82m, 1.87m, 1.90m, 1.93m, 1.96m, 1.99m and 2.02m.

The wet and windy conditions made the competition particularly demanding. Between attempts, Pooja could be seen immediately putting on her cap and warm clothing to prevent her muscles from cooling down before her next jump.

She was assisted throughout the competition by Yoandri Betanzos, the World Championships triple jump silver medallist and JSW’s foreign jumps expert, who worked closely with her during the final.

At just 19 years old, Pooja was the youngest competitor in the women’s high jump final, gaining valuable experience on one of the biggest stages in international athletics.

She arrived in Glasgow after a breakthrough season in which she rewrote the Indian record books, clearing 1.93m to set a new national record and establish herself among Asia’s leading high jumpers.

Her achievements over the past year include:

  • Asian Champion (Senior)
  • Asian U20 Champion
  • Asian Indoor Championships silver medallist

The consistent performances have underlined her reputation as one of India’s brightest young athletics talents.

Eugene Next

There is little time to reflect on her Commonwealth Games outing.

Pooja will now travel directly to Eugene, USA, where she will represent India at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026. After a remarkable season highlighted by her national record of 1.93m, she will look to carry that form onto the global junior stage.

Although the Glasgow final did not produce the result she had hoped for, the experience of competing against senior international opposition in difficult conditions adds another important chapter to the development of one of India’s most promising field athletes.