Shaili makes long jump final in style
The Jhansi-born athlete was raised by a single mother. She currently trains at the academy of celebrated long jumper Anju Bobby George in Bengaluru.
Nairobi, Aug. 20: Up and coming long jumper Shaili Singh lived up to the expectations as she made it to the finals after topping the qualification round with an effort of 6.40m in the U20 World Athletics Championships here on Friday.
The 17-year-old Shaili, considered one of the brightest upcoming stars in Indian athletics, achieved her best of the day in her third and final jump after starting off with a 6.34m in Group B. Her second jump recorded 5.98m.
She was one of three long jumpers who secured automatic qualification, set at 6.35m, for the final. She would have made the grade on the strength of her opening effort of 6.34m but chose to strain every sinew on her last attempt to gain the psychological edge going into Sunday’s final.
Shaili is considered a medal prospect but the final is expected to be a tough affair with some of the world’s best making the cut.
Sweden’s Maja Askag, who had won the European U-20 title last month, qualified as second best overall after winning Group A with a best jump of 6.39m.
Shaili, who had won the long jump event at the National (Senior) InterState Championships in June with an effort of 6.48m, is the current U-18 world No. 2 and U-20 national record holder.
The Jhansi-born athlete was raised by a single mother who worked as a tailor. She currently trains at the academy of celebrated long jumper Anju Bobby George in Bengaluru. She is coached by Anju’s husband Bobby George.
In men’s javelin throw final, Kunwar Ajai Raj Singh Rana raised hopes of winning a medal briefly with his second best throw of the year before finishing fifth.