Seventeen-year-old Kiran dominated the National Junior Athletics Championships at the Kalinga Stadium, setting a new benchmark in the under-18 men’s 110m hurdles.
Kiran’s Stellar Performance in 110m Hurdles
Seventeen-year-old Kiran from Palakkad delivered an awe-inspiring performance on Monday at the National Junior Athletics Championships, rewriting his own record in the under-18 men’s 110m hurdles. Competing in the semifinals during a pleasant morning session, Kiran clocked an impressive 13.47 seconds, erasing his previous mark of 13.52 seconds set at the National Youth Championships in June. Despite jogging the last five meters, he bettered his record with ease.
Later in the day, the humid weather and physical fatigue influenced his performance during the finals. “The morning was pleasant. Later, my body became tight, and the weather was humid in the evening. It might have affected my time in the final,” Kiran admitted. Nevertheless, he claimed the title comfortably, leaving competitors far behind.
Pooja Achieves High Jump Milestone in Heptathlon
Pooja, who narrowly missed setting a new national record in the high jump the previous evening due to a lower-back issue, showcased remarkable determination. Competing in the heptathlon event, she cleared 1.85m, achieving the coveted mark and earning widespread applause.
Jay Kumar Breaks 400m Meet Record
Jay Kumar of Delhi shattered a seven-year-old meet record in the under-20 men’s 400m event. Clocking 46.29 seconds, Jay surpassed Amoj Jacob’s record of 46.59 seconds set in 2017. Although local favorite Astik Pradhan gave a strong fight with a personal best of 46.97 seconds, Jay’s dominance was unmatched. However, he narrowly missed the national record by just 0.03 seconds.
Other Notable Performances
The championships witnessed numerous record-breaking and memorable performances across categories:
Under-20 Highlights
- 400m Men: Jay Kumar (Delhi) – 46.29 (New Meet Record)
- 4x100m Relay Men: Odisha – 41.10 (New Meet Record)
- 100m Hurdles Women: Crystal Vadakel (Maharashtra) – 14.10
- 400m Women: Dhesikha V. (Tamil Nadu) – 55.03
Under-18 Highlights
- 110m Hurdles Men: Kiran K. (Kerala) – 13.47 (Semifinals)
- Long Jump Men: Shahnavaz Khan (Uttar Pradesh) – 7.72m
- 400m Women: Tahura Khatun (West Bengal) – 56.01
Under-16 Highlights
- 80m Hurdles Boys: Sanaga Thanush Teja (Andhra Pradesh) – 10.36 (New Record)
- Javelin Girls: Muskan (Haryana) – 46.87m (New Record)
Setting the Stage for Future Stars
The National Junior Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, serves as a breeding ground for India’s future track and field stars. The meet not only fosters young talent but also establishes benchmarks for excellence. With athletes like Kiran, Jay Kumar, and Pooja setting records and inspiring others, the event exemplifies the country’s growing prowess in athletics.
For more details on the National Junior Athletics Championships, visit the Athletics Federation of India website.
Complete Results (Winners Only)
Under-20 Category
- Men’s 400m: Jay Kumar (Delhi) – 46.29 (NMR)
- 3000m: Mohit Yadav (Madhya Pradesh) – 8:16.84
- High Jump: Sagar Roy (West Bengal) – 2.04m
- Women’s 400m: Dhesikha V. (Tamil Nadu) – 55.03
Under-18 Category
- Men’s 110m Hurdles: Kiran K. (Kerala) – 13.47 (Semifinals)
- Women’s Long Jump: Thanusha K. (Tamil Nadu) – 5.70m
Under-16 Category
- Boys’ 80m Hurdles: Sanaga Thanush Teja (Andhra Pradesh) – 10.36 (NR)
- Girls’ Javelin: Muskan (Haryana) – 46.87m (NR)
Stay updated with the latest results and news from Indian athletics through Indian Athletics Live Updates.
This year’s championship underscores the immense potential among India’s youth. With continued support, infrastructure, and training, these athletes are poised to make their mark on the global stage.
