Shaili Singh, a 21-year-old long jumper from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has etched her name in Indian athletics history. On April 26, 2025, at the National Federation Cup Athletics Championship held at Maharaja’s College Ground in Ernakulam, Kerala, Shaili soared to a remarkable 6.64 meters, shattering Anju Bobby George’s 23-year-old record of 6.59 meters set in 2002. This victory wasn’t just about a gold medal; it was a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the rise of women in Indian sports.
Born on January 7, 2004, Shaili’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised by her single mother, Vinita Singh, a tailor, Shaili grew up in a modest household with two siblings. Financial constraints meant she often competed barefoot, with blisters on her feet, yet her determination never wavered. At 14, her life changed when she was spotted by Robert Bobby George, a renowned coach and husband of Anju Bobby George, at a junior athletics meet in Vijayawada in 2017. Despite finishing fifth with a 4.64-meter jump, her raw talent and fierce spirit caught their attention.
Shaili moved to Bengaluru to train at the Anju Bobby George Sports Foundation, where she was nurtured under the guidance of Anju and Robert. The couple saw her as a “rough diamond,” blessed with fast-twitch muscles ideal for jumping. Their mentorship, combined with support from the Sports Authority of India and Olympic Gold Quest, transformed her into a world-class athlete. In 2021, Shaili announced her arrival on the global stage by winning a silver medal at the World U20 Championships in Nairobi with a 6.59-meter jump, missing gold by just one centimeter.
Her journey continued to shine. In 2022, Shaili claimed her first senior gold at the National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru. The following year, she secured a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok with a 6.54-meter jump. Her personal best of 6.76 meters in 2023 made her the second-best Indian woman long jumper, just 7 centimeters shy of Anju’s national record of 6.83 meters set at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The 2025 National Federation Cup was a defining moment. As Shaili leapt 6.64 meters, she not only broke Anju’s record but also earned a standing ovation from her mentor, who presented her with the gold medal. Anju, a 2003 World Championships bronze medalist, expressed her pride, saying, “Records are meant to be broken, and I’m thrilled to see Shaili accomplish this feat. This performance represents the bright future of Indian women in sports.” Shaili, emotional yet ambitious, called it “just the beginning” of her journey, with her eyes set on the Los Angeles Olympics.
Shaili’s story resonates deeply because it’s rooted in struggle and triumph. From running barefoot to training under India’s athletic royalty, she embodies the spirit of perseverance. Her selection for India’s 56-member squad for the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31, 2025, signals more milestones ahead.
For young athletes, Shaili Singh’s long jump journey offers a powerful lesson: talent, when paired with hard work and guidance, can rewrite history. As she aims to break Anju’s national record and chase Olympic glory, Shaili is a beacon of hope for Indian athletics. Her story reminds us that dreams, no matter how distant, are within reach with unwavering dedication.
Shaili Singh Long Jump: A Legacy in the Making
As Shaili continues to soar, her achievements spotlight the growing prominence of Indian athletics. With mentors like Anju and Robert by her side, she’s poised to inspire a new generation. Whether it’s the Asian Championships or the global stage, Shaili Singh’s long jump career is one to watch. Her record-breaking leap in Kerala is not just a personal victory but a milestone for Indian sports, proving that the future is bright for women athletes in the country.