Eugene, 08 August (H.S.): India’s Pooja qualified for the women’s high jump final on the third day of the World U20 Athletics Championships on Friday. The national record-holder produced a best clearance of 1.79 metres to advance to the medal round.

The direct qualification standard had been set at 1.84 metres, but none of the athletes managed to clear the mark. As a result, all 12 athletes who recorded a best clearance of 1.79 metres advanced to the final.

Earlier this year, the young athlete from Haryana made headlines at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships by clearing 1.93 metres and breaking the 14-year-old senior national record. The previous record had been held by Sahana Kumari. Pooja also won the gold medal at the continental championships.

Two Indians Reach Long Jump Final

India’s Shahnawaz Khan and R.C. Jitin Arjunan also qualified for the men’s long jump final. Neither athlete managed to achieve the direct qualification mark of 7.75 metres, but both advanced to the medal round after finishing among the overall top 12 competitors.

Shahnawaz produced a best jump of 7.73 metres to finish fourth in Group A and fifth overall. Jitin Arjunan, meanwhile, recorded a best effort of 7.57 metres to finish seventh in Group A and 12th overall.

Under the qualification rules, athletes who achieve the direct qualification mark of 7.75 metres or finish among the overall top 12 across the two qualifying groups advance to the final.

India’s Poonam narrowly missed out on qualification for the women’s javelin throw final. Her best effort of 48.81 metres placed her 13th overall.

The direct qualification standard for the final was set at 52.50 metres. Dutch athlete Jole Barveld, who secured the final qualification spot, produced a best throw of 49.08 metres to finish ahead of Poonam.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar