Shaili Singh: Anju Bobby George’s protege eyes a leap of faith at Asian Games
Indian long jumper Shaili Singh is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to transition from a promising protege to a senior-level medalist. After overcoming early career injuries, she is now focused on breaking national records and competing at the highest level.
Why it matters
Highlighting the development of young athletes provides insight into the growth of sports infrastructure and talent pipelines in India.
NEW DELHI: The first thing Shaili Singh sees on the runway isn't the crowd, the jumping board or even her rivals. It is a jump that has already happened."When I stand on the runway, I can't hear anything," she says. "I can see the sand and the take-off. I know how to go step by step. I am in an imaginary world. I have already done that jump. After that, my body is going," she told this outlet on the sidelines of the Indian Athletics Final Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.The image neatly captures the 22-year-old's journey. For years, Indian athletics has imagined Shaili as the heir to Anju Bobby George.
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