Mansukh Mandaviya lauds Pooja Singh's "stellar performance" at U20 Athletics Championships
New Delhi, May 29
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated India's Pooja Singh for her gold-medal performance at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026.
He praised her record-breaking 1.93m jump, which set a new national record, and wished her success for a bright future.
Pooja Singh delivered a historic performance by clearing 1.93m in the women's high jump to break the long-standing national record held by Sahana Kumari for 14 years at the U20 Athletics Championships 2026 in Hong Kong on Friday.
The remarkable effort also earned the youngster the gold medal.
"Soaring to new heights! Stellar performance by TOPS athlete Pooja to win Gold at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships. Her 1.93m jump breaks the National Record. Wishing her the best for a bright future!" Mandaviya wrote in an Instagram post.
A total of 48 Indian athletes, 30 men and 18 women, are representing the country at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026 in Hong Kong, being held from May 28 to 31.
The Athletics Federation of India selected the squad based on performances in domestic competitions, including the Junior Federation Cup held in Tumakuru in April.
Indian athletes will also be aiming to secure qualification for the World U20 Athletics Championships 2026, set to be held at Hayward Field from August 5 to 9.
Meanwhile, in the decathlon, Rahul Jakhar clinched gold as India secured a dominant 1-2 finish, with Upkar taking silver. Rahul also set a new U20 national record with 7,185 points, achieving personal bests in seven of the 10 events during an outstanding all-round display.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see young Indian athletes breaking through at the international level. The system of identifying talent through domestic competitions and supporting them via programs like TOPS seems to be working. Hope Pooja and Rahul can continue this form and aim for the World U20 Championships and eventually the Olympics.
Mad respect for Pooja Singh and Rahul Jakhar! These kids are putting India on the map in athletics. The 1-2 finish in decathlon is even sweeter. But I still feel the government could do more for grassroots sports - imagine what these athletes could achieve with better facilities and coaching at the district level!
Not just Pooja's gold, but the overall squad depth is impressive - 48 athletes representing India. The Junior Federation Cup seems to be a good pipeline. Hope the Athletics Federation continues to support these young talents and we see more of them at the World level. Congratulations all around!
This is what happens when you invest in youth sports! Pooja's 1.93m jump and Rahul's decathlon record are proof that Indian talent is world-class. But we need more such stories from every state, not just from urban centers. Kudos to the minister for acknowledging her efforts, but the real work begins now - keep the momentum going!
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