Annu Rani: First Indian Woman To Win Gold In Javelin At Asian Games

Annu Rani carved a spot for herself in India’s sports history at the Asian Games, becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win gold in the women’s javelin throw. Her 62.92-metre throw represents a remarkable milestone as the first gold for India in the women’s javelin throw at the Asian Games.

Annu Rani entered the Asian Games as one of the most anticipated and favourite athletes, and she certainly didn’t disappoint the country.

Annu Rani Wins Gold In Women's Javelin Throw

Rani started in the sixth position in her first throw and opened her account with a notable throw of 56.99 meters. However, her performance rose to an incredible level when she threw an impressive distance of 61.28 metres, progressing straight to the top of the boards.

In her third throw, Rani registered 59.24 metres, but in her fourth throw, she etched her name in India’s sport history with a stunning throw of 62.92 metres, securing not just the gold medal but also achieving her personal best score of the season.

With this remarkable victory, Rani adds another feather to her cap. She had won the Asian Games by winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she became the first Indian woman to bag a medal in the javelin throw.

Previously, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman athlete to cross the 60-metre mark with a throw of 61.86 meters. She also holds the title of current national record holder by achieving an incredible throw of 63.82 metres at the Indian Open Javelin Throw Competition in 2022.

Annu Rani was born into a Jat family in Bahadurpur village in Meerut. The 31-year-old's talent was first spotted by her brother when he noticed her upper body strength while playing cricket. She started playing javelin in 2010 at the age of 18. In 2014, Rani won the gold medal at the National Inter-state Athletics Championship in Lucknow, breaking a 14-year-old national record and qualifying for the Commonwealth game.

In 2020, she won the Sportstar Aces Sportswoman of the Year Award in Athletics. She also won a gold in the women’s javelin throw at the 59^th National Open Athletics Championship.

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