18-Year-Old Pooja Singh Wins Silver, Smashes 22-Year-Old Indoor National Record with 1.87m Leap at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026

In a stunning display of talent and determination, India’s teenage high jump sensation Pooja Singh clinched the silver medal in the women’s high jump at the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 held in Tianjin, China. The 18-year-old cleared a remarkable 1.87m, not only securing a podium finish but also shattering the long-standing indoor national record by 3cm.

The previous indoor national record of 1.84m was set by Bobby Aloysius and had remained unbroken for 22 years. Pooja’s exceptional performance on her first attempt at 1.87m marked a historic moment for Indian athletics, rewriting the record books and signaling the rise of a new star in the sport.

Thrilling Competition and Historic Achievement

Competing against a strong field, Pooja Singh tied for second place with Kazakhstan’s former Asian indoor champion Nadezhda Dubovitskaya, both at 1.87m. Uzbekistan’s Valeriya Gorbatova took the gold medal on countback after clearing lower heights more efficiently. Both Pooja and Dubovitskaya failed to clear 1.90m in their attempts, but the Indian teenager’s consistency and composure under pressure stood out.

This silver medal is particularly significant as it marks India’s first silver at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in this event, following earlier bronze medals by Indian athletes. Pooja’s achievement adds to India’s impressive medal tally at the championships, which included a gold in heptathlon by Tejaswin Shankar, another silver by Tajinderpal Singh Toor in shot put, and a bronze by Ancy Sojan in long jump.

Pooja Singh: A Rising Star in Indian Athletics

Born on February 21, 2007, Pooja Singh hails from Haryana and has already made waves on the international stage. She is the reigning Asian champion after winning gold at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships with a personal best of 1.89m (also a national under-20 record). Her journey includes medals at the Asian U20 and U18 Championships, as well as the Commonwealth Youth Games.

At just 18, Pooja’s comeback to form after a brief injury setback earlier demonstrates her resilience and potential. Her season-best 1.87m in Tianjin was a season highlight and a clear indicator that she is poised for even greater heights in outdoor competitions ahead.

Why This Matters for Indian Athletics

Pooja Singh’s breakthrough performance highlights the growing depth in Indian jumping events. With young talents like her pushing boundaries, India continues to make strides in athletics on the continental stage. This new indoor national record not only boosts her confidence but also inspires the next generation of athletes.

Remember the name: Pooja Singh — an 18-year-old prodigy who is already breaking records and winning medals at the highest levels. Indian sports fans have every reason to be excited about her future, including potential challenges at upcoming major events like the World Championships and beyond.

Stay tuned to BharatTone.com for more updates on Indian athletics, rising stars, and record-breaking performances!