Anushka Yadav Breaks Hammer Throw National Record, Qualifies for Asian Games
18-year-old Anushka Yadav has created history by becoming India's youngest national record holder in athletics, smashing the women's hammer throw record with a 67.02m effort at the National Inter-State Championships and qualifying for the Asian Games.
Key Highlights
- Anushka Yadav, 18, set a new national record in women's hammer throw.
- Her throw of 67.02m surpassed the previous record of 65.25m.
- She became India's youngest national record holder in athletics.
- Anushka qualified for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
- The achievement occurred at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships.
- Other athletes like Dev Meena and Jyothi Yarraji also excelled.
Anushka Yadav, an 18-year-old hammer thrower from Uttar Pradesh, has etched her name in Indian athletics history by setting a new national record and becoming the country's youngest national record holder in the sport. Her remarkable feat unfolded at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Yadav, hailing from a farmer's family in Baleni village, Baghpat district, showcased an exceptional performance in the women's hammer throw event. She registered a stunning throw of 67.02 meters in her final attempt, decisively eclipsing the previous national record of 65.25 meters set by Sarita Singh in 2017. What makes her achievement even more astounding is that she broke the national record not once, but twice during the same competition, first with a throw of 65.64 meters in her second attempt, before bettering it to 67.02 meters.
Her sensational performance also secured her a coveted spot in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan, as her throw comfortably surpassed the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) qualification standard of 61.72 meters. This marks a significant improvement from her previous personal best of 62.89 meters, achieved at the National Games last year.
Anushka's journey is particularly inspiring, given her humble background. Her father, Sushil Yadav, a former hammer thrower himself, has been instrumental in guiding her in the sport since she was 12 years old. She initially showed interest in sprinting but transitioned to hammer throw under her father's mentorship. Overcoming adversity, Anushka recently recovered from a ligament fracture in her knee sustained in March while helping with farm work. Her swift recovery and subsequent record-breaking performance highlight her dedication and resilience.
The National Inter-State Athletics Championships also witnessed other stellar performances. Pole vaulter Dev Meena of Madhya Pradesh also set a new national record, clearing 5.46 meters, and secured his qualification for the Asian Games. Additionally, national record holder Jyothi Yarraji made a triumphant return from a year-long injury layoff, winning the women's 100m hurdles in 12.99 seconds and comfortably meeting the Asian Games qualifying standard. Nandhini K also qualified in the 100m hurdles, and I. Isha Elango achieved the Asian Games mark in the women's triple jump.
However, national record holder Gulveer Singh, who won gold in the men's 5000m with a time of 13:52.92, unfortunately, failed to breach the Asian Games qualifying time of 13:39.18s. The championships served as a crucial platform for athletes to secure their berths for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, underscoring the competitive spirit and emerging talent within Indian athletics. Anushka Yadav expressed her ambition to throw over 70 meters and win a gold medal at the Asian Games, aiming to bring greater recognition to the hammer throw event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anushka Yadav?
Anushka Yadav is an 18-year-old Indian hammer thrower from Uttar Pradesh who recently broke the national record in women's hammer throw and became India's youngest national record holder in athletics.
What national record did Anushka Yadav break?
Anushka Yadav broke the national record in the women's hammer throw with a magnificent effort of 67.02 meters at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships. The previous record was 65.25 meters, set by Sarita Singh in 2017.
Has Anushka Yadav qualified for the Asian Games?
Yes, Anushka Yadav has qualified for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. Her record-breaking throw of 67.02m significantly surpassed the Athletics Federation of India's qualification standard of 61.72m.
When and where did Anushka Yadav achieve this feat?
Anushka Yadav achieved this historic feat on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
What is unique about Anushka Yadav's background?
Anushka Yadav comes from a farmer's family in Baleni village, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Sushil Yadav, is a former hammer thrower and has been her coach since she was 12. She also overcame a recent ligament fracture sustained while working on her family's farm.
