Who Is Ancy Sojan? Kerala Long Jumper Who Broke Anju Bobby Record

0 0 RABI KR. PANDIT Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Edit this post

Who Is Ancy Sojan? Kerala Long Jumper Who Broke Anju Bobby George's 22-Year-Old National Record

New National Record

6.88 Metres

Breaking Anju Bobby George's 6.83m mark set at Athens 2004 Olympics — 22 years unbeaten

On a warm evening at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, a 25-year-old girl from a tiny fishing village in Kerala did something that no Indian woman had managed in over two decades. Ancy Sojan Edappilly soared through the air and landed at 6.88 metres — a jump that erased Anju Bobby George's legendary 6.83m national record, a mark that had stood untouched since the 2004 Athens Olympics. It was not just a number on a scoreboard. It was the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

For 22 long years, Indian women's long jump had been defined by that single magical leap of 6.83 metres. Generations of athletes came and went, but none could touch it. Anju Bobby George had set the bar so high that it seemed almost mythical. And then came Ancy Sojan — an auto-rickshaw driver's daughter from Nattika, Thrissur, who trained with the Indian Navy, who won silver at the Asian Games, who quietly believed she could fly farther than anyone before her. And on that Saturday evening in June 2026, she proved it.

This article is a deep dive into the life, career, struggles, and triumphs of Ancy Sojan — the new face of Indian athletics. From her humble beginnings in a lower-income Syrian Christian family to becoming India's record-breaking long jump queen, her story is one of grit, sacrifice, and unshakable belief. We will cover everything — her early life, her family, her coaches, her medals, the historic 6.88m jump, what Anju Bobby George herself said about it, and what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.

The Historic Jump: 6.88 Metres at Bhubaneswar

Let us start with the moment that changed everything. The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships were being held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was a competition that draws the best athletes from every corner of India. Ancy Sojan had come prepared, but even she could not have predicted what was about to happen.

As she stood at the end of the runway, the crowd fell silent. The take-off board was her launchpad, and the sandpit was her canvas. She ran with explosive power, hit the board with perfect timing, and took off. For those few seconds in the air, time seemed to stop. When she landed, the officials measured the distance. 6.88 metres. The stadium erupted. The previous best by an Indian woman was 6.83 metres — set by Anju Bobby George at the Athens Olympics when Ancy was just three years old. Now, at 25, Ancy had done the unthinkable.

What makes this jump even more special is the context. Ancy was not just breaking a record; she was rewriting history. The 6.83m mark was one of the longest-standing records in Indian track and field. It had survived through multiple Olympic cycles, through the rise of Indian athletics, through the careers of countless talented jumpers. And yet, Ancy made it look possible. Her jump placed her seventh in the world's top lists for 2026 — a remarkable achievement for an Indian athlete in a sport dominated by athletes from the United States, Europe, and Africa.

The competition itself was fierce. Shaili Singh, another promising Indian long jumper, managed 6.67 metres to take second place. Mubassina Mohammed finished third with 6.53 metres. But Ancy was in a league of her own that day. Her 6.88m leap was not just a personal best — it was a statement to the world that Indian women's long jump had arrived at the global stage.

"I know that 6.83m is a huge jump. I know Anju ma'am is a legend and I am also aiming to be like her. I also want to be a world-class jumper." — Ancy Sojan

Early Life and Family: The Auto-Rickshaw Driver's Daughter

Ancy Sojan Edappilly was born on 1 March 2001 in Nattika, a small fishing village on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Kerala's Thrissur district. Nattika is not a place you would associate with world-class athletics. It is a quiet, unassuming village where life revolves around the sea, the church, and hard work. Ancy's family belonged to the lower-income Syrian Christian community of the area. Money was always tight, and dreams were often put on hold.

Her father, Sojan ET, was a promising athlete in his younger days. He used to run the 100 metres, 400 metres, and compete in the long jump at the district level. But like so many talented youngsters in India, he never got the right guidance or support to take his sporting career forward. Eventually, he had to give up his athletic dreams and start driving an auto-rickshaw to earn a living for his family. It was a decision born out of necessity, not choice. But Sojan never let go of his love for sports. And when his daughter Ancy was born, he saw a second chance — not for himself, but through her.

Ancy's mother, Jansy, is a homemaker who has been the emotional backbone of the family. She has seen her husband struggle, she has seen her daughter train in difficult conditions, and she has never once complained. The Sojan family also includes Ancy's younger brother Dominic, who is currently studying business administration, and her youngest sister Anjali, who is 20 years old and dreams of following in her elder sister's footsteps as a long jumper. The family is tight-knit, and their bond has been the foundation of Ancy's success.

As a little girl, Ancy loved music and dance. She was like any other child — playful, curious, and full of energy. It was her father who insisted she try sports. He would often tell her stories about his own athletic days, about the races he won and the jumps he made. Slowly, he passed on his passion for track and field to his daughter. "I used to run the 100m, 400m and do the long jump but I did not have the right guidance and support when I was young. I had to stop and start driving an auto to provide for my family. But I always loved sport and I managed to convince Ancy to try something that I loved. Luckily, she also fell in love with it," Sojan told Sportstar in an emotional interview after his daughter's record-breaking jump.

Sojan did more than just plant the seed of interest. After enrolling Ancy in athletics coaching at a neighbourhood club in Nattika, he would drive her to and from practice sessions every single day — in his auto-rickshaw. If she had a competition in a neighbouring town, he would drive her there and watch her compete. He would often miss rides and lose earnings because of this. Some of the other auto drivers would mock him. "Sojan, why are you doing all this? She is an auto driver's daughter. What do you think she will do?" they would say. But Sojan always knew that Ancy would do something special. And he was right.

"I always took her in the morning and evening for training. If she had some competition in the neighbouring towns, I would drive her to them and watch her compete. I enjoyed that. I would often miss a lot of rides. Some of the other auto drivers would say 'Sojan why are you doing all this? She is an auto driver's daughter. What do you think she will do?' But I always knew that Ancy would do something special." — Sojan ET, Ancy's Father

The Coach Who Saw It First: Sanoj VV (Kannan Mash)

Every great athlete has a coach who believes in them before they believe in themselves. For Ancy Sojan, that coach is Sanoj VV, affectionately known as "Kannan Mash" to everyone in Nattika. Sanoj's story is remarkably similar to Sojan's. He too was a talented district-level athlete — a high jumper — whose sporting ambitions were cut short by a lack of opportunities and resources. Instead of giving up on sports entirely, Sanoj decided to give back. He started a small athletics academy for budding athletes in Nattika, so he could pass on his experience to the next generation.

Sanoj first spotted Ancy's potential when she was just 13 years old. At the Under-14 State School Games in 2015, Ancy jumped 4.93 metres to win a bronze medal. It was remarkable considering she was so tiny back then — just a 13-year-old girl with big dreams. Sanoj immediately knew he had found something special. "I am not a trained coach myself. I began my academy for budding athletes like Ancy, so I could pass on my experience to them," Sanoj revealed in an interview.

Sanoj's belief in Ancy was so strong that he made a bold prediction in 2019. At a time when Ancy was barely 18 years old and had just registered a 6.26m jump at the National School Athletics Meet in Punjab's Sangrur, Sanoj declared that she would one day break Anju Bobby George's national record. People laughed at him. They thought he was being overly optimistic. After all, Anju's 6.83m was considered untouchable. But Sanoj stuck to his words. And on that Saturday evening in Bhubaneswar, his prediction came gloriously true.

Following Ancy's record-breaking leap, Sanoj noticed something that even some long jump experts might have missed. "Till a year back, Ancy's take-off extension had an issue. Not on Saturday. It was flawless," he elaborated. This attention to technical detail is what sets great coaches apart. Sanoj did not just train Ancy's body; he trained her mind and her technique. And the results speak for themselves.

Sanoj, like Sojan, also drives an auto-rickshaw to make ends meet. Money was scarce for both families. "We are not financially well off," Sanoj admitted. "Our income depends on how much I earn from driving my auto-rickshaw, and it varies from day to day. Right now, I am recovering from an injury, so it has affected our earnings." Yet, despite these financial challenges, Sanoj never stopped coaching Ancy. His dedication is a testament to the unsung heroes of Indian sports — the grassroots coaches who work without recognition, without facilities, and often without pay, simply because they love the sport and believe in their athletes.

Joining the Indian Navy: A Turning Point

Ancy's journey took a major turn when she joined the Indian Navy. Today, she serves as a Chief Petty Officer (Physical Training) — a rank that reflects both her athletic excellence and her discipline. The Indian Navy has been instrumental in providing her with the structure, support, and resources she needed to take her career to the next level.

Being a Navy athlete is not easy. It requires balancing rigorous military training with elite athletic preparation. But Ancy has managed both with remarkable poise. The Navy provided her with access to better training facilities, sports science support, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels. It also gave her a sense of purpose beyond athletics — the pride of serving the nation in uniform.

The Indian Navy has a proud tradition of producing world-class athletes. Ancy Sojan is now one of its brightest stars. After her historic 6.88m jump, the Navy released a statement congratulating her, highlighting her achievement as a matter of national pride. Her success has also inspired many young girls in Kerala and across India to consider a career that combines sports with service to the nation.

Career Timeline: Ancy Sojan's Rise to the Top

Ancy's journey from a 4.93m jump at age 13 to a 6.88m national record at age 25 is a story of steady, relentless progress. Here is a detailed timeline of her career milestones:

2015 — First Glimpse of Talent

At the Under-14 State School Games, 13-year-old Ancy jumps 4.93 metres to win a bronze medal. Coach Sanoj VV spots her potential immediately.

2019 — Bursting onto the National Scene

Ancy registers a jump of 6.26 metres at the National School Athletics Meet in Sangrur, Punjab. This marks her arrival on the national stage. Coach Sanoj predicts she will break Anju Bobby George's record.

2021 — National Camp and Professional Training

Ancy makes it to the national camp in Bengaluru, where she begins training under coach Anoop Kumar. She also comes under the guidance of foreign expert Denis Kapustin, who specializes in horizontal jumps. Anoop later described her as "a ball of energy" who was "waiting to explode."

2022 Asian Games, Hangzhou — Silver Medal Glory

Ancy wins the silver medal in women's long jump at the Hangzhou Asian Games with a jump of 6.63 metres. It was her then personal best and a moment of immense pride for India. She finished behind China's Shiqi Xiong (6.73m) and ahead of Hong Kong's Nga Yan (6.50m). This medal announced her arrival as one of Asia's elite long jumpers.

2024 — National Open Athletics Championship Gold

Ancy wins the gold medal at the National Open Athletics Championship in Bengaluru with a jump of 6.71 metres — a new personal best at the time. She is also declared the best female athlete of the championship. This jump signals that she is ready for even bigger things.

2025 Asian Athletics Championships, Gumi — Another Silver

At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, Ancy wins another silver medal with a jump of 6.33 metres. She finishes behind Iran's Reihaneh Mobini Arani (6.40m) and ahead of fellow Indian Shaili Singh (6.30m), who takes bronze. The competition is tough, but Ancy proves her consistency at the continental level.

June 2026 — The Historic 6.88m National Record

At the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, Ancy Sojan leaps 6.88 metres to break Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old national record of 6.83m. She finishes ahead of Shaili Singh (6.67m) and Mubassina Mohammed (6.53m). The jump ranks her 7th in the world for 2026.

Medal Record and Achievements

Ancy Sojan's medal cabinet may not be overflowing yet, but every medal she has won tells a story of growth and determination. Here is a complete list of her major achievements:

Major Medals and Honours

Silver Medal — 2022 Asian Games, Hangzhou: Long jump with 6.63m — her first major international medal
Silver Medal — 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, Gumi: Long jump with 6.33m — proving consistency at continental level
Gold Medal — 2024 National Open Athletics Championship, Bengaluru: Long jump with 6.71m — personal best at the time, best female athlete award
National Record — June 2026: 6.88m at National Inter-State Championships, Bhubaneswar — breaking Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old record
World Ranking 2026: 7th in the world for women's long jump
Indian Navy Recognition: Chief Petty Officer (PT), best female athlete at national championships

Anju Bobby George's Reaction: Grace from a Legend

When a record that has stood for 22 years is finally broken, the world waits to hear from the record-holder. And Anju Bobby George did not disappoint. Her reaction was a masterclass in grace, sportsmanship, and the true spirit of athletics.

Anju, who is currently the Senior Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, watched Ancy's jump with a smile on her face. "I am proud of her... watched her jump with a smile on my face. Long jump has always been a Malayalee speciality," she said. For someone who held the record for over two decades, this level of generosity and warmth is remarkable. It shows the kind of champion Anju has always been — not just on the track, but in life.

Anju also expressed her belief that Ancy can go even further. She called Ancy's jump "world-class" and encouraged her to aim for medals at the World Championships and the Olympics. This endorsement from India's greatest long jumper is worth its weight in gold. It gives Ancy the confidence and validation she needs to compete at the highest level.

Anju's own career is the stuff of legends. She was India's first athletics World Championships medalist, winning bronze at Paris 2003 with a jump of 6.70m. She won gold at the 2005 World Athletics Final in Monaco. She won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the 2002 Asian Games in Busan. Her 6.83m at the 2004 Athens Olympics gave her fifth place — and that jump became the national record that stood for 22 years. She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2002, the Khel Ratna in 2003, and the Padma Shri in 2004. In 2021, she won the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award for best athlete in India.

What makes Anju's story even more inspiring is that she achieved all this while battling a rare medical condition — Unilateral Renal Agenesis, meaning she was born with only one kidney. She also had a chronic ankle injury from age 17 that never healed properly. Despite these challenges, she became India's greatest long jumper. Now, as she passes the torch to Ancy, she does so with pride and hope for the future of Indian athletics.

"I am proud of her... watched her jump with a smile on my face. Long jump has always been a Malayalee speciality." — Anju Bobby George

Technical Analysis: What Makes Ancy Sojan's Jump Special?

Breaking a 22-year-old national record is not just about raw power. It requires a combination of speed, technique, timing, and mental strength. Let us break down what makes Ancy Sojan's 6.88m jump so special from a technical perspective.

First, her approach speed is exceptional. Ancy generates tremendous velocity on the runway, which translates into greater horizontal distance during the jump. Her coach Anoop Kumar has worked extensively on her sprinting mechanics to ensure she maintains maximum speed without losing control before the take-off.

Second, her take-off technique has improved dramatically over the past year. Coach Sanoj VV pointed out that till a year back, Ancy's take-off extension had an issue. But on the day of the record, it was flawless. The take-off is the most critical phase of the long jump — a fraction of a second too early or too late, and the jump is ruined. Ancy's timing was perfect.

Third, her flight phase is well-controlled. Ancy uses the hitch-kick technique — a complex mid-air movement where the legs cycle in a running motion to maintain balance and prepare for landing. This technique is difficult to master but highly effective for maximizing distance.

Fourth, her landing has become more efficient. In long jump, every centimetre counts. Ancy has worked on extending her legs forward during landing and minimizing backward movement in the sand. This "holding time" — the moment between landing and falling back — is something her father believes she can still improve.

Finally, her mental toughness sets her apart. Breaking a record that has stood for 22 years requires more than physical ability. It requires the belief that you can do something that no one else has done. Ancy has that belief. She has said repeatedly that she wants to be a "world-class jumper." And world-class is exactly what 6.88 metres is.

The 7-Metre Dream: What Lies Ahead for Ancy Sojan?

Now that Ancy has broken the national record, the question on everyone's mind is: What next? And the answer, according to Ancy herself, is the 7-metre barrier. In women's long jump, crossing 7 metres is the mark of an elite athlete. Only a handful of women in history have achieved it. The world record stands at 7.52 metres, set by Galina Chistyakova of the Soviet Union in 1988. The Olympic record is 7.40 metres, set by Jackie Joyner-Kersee of the USA in 1988.

For Ancy to reach 7 metres, she will need to add another 12 centimetres to her current best. That may sound like a lot, but it is not impossible. She is only 25 years old — an age when many long jumpers are just entering their prime. With the right training, nutrition, sports science support, and competition exposure, the 7-metre mark is well within her reach.

Her father, Sojan, believes she can do it. "She is not 100% there yet," he said. "She needs to improve her jump and holding time. But I am proud of her for erasing a 22-year-old national record set by Anju. She can now breach the 7m mark." Coach Sanoj agrees. "I believe she can cross the 7m barrier," he said confidently.

The immediate targets for Ancy are clear:

2026 Asian Games: Defend or improve her silver medal from Hangzhou 2022. With a 6.88m jump, she would be a strong contender for gold.
2027 World Athletics Championships: Qualify for the final and aim for a top-6 finish. Her current world ranking of 7th puts her in contention.
2028 Los Angeles Olympics: This is the big one. Indian athletics has never won an Olympic medal in women's long jump. Ancy could change that.
The 7-Metre Barrier: Whether it happens in 2026, 2027, or 2028, crossing 7 metres would make Ancy one of the greatest long jumpers in Asian history.

Comparing Ancy Sojan and Anju Bobby George: Two Eras, One Legacy

It is impossible to talk about Ancy Sojan without comparing her to Anju Bobby George. They are both from Kerala. They are both long jumpers. And they now share the most important record in Indian women's athletics. But their journeys are very different.

Anju Bobby George: The Pioneer

Born: 19 April 1977, Changanassery, Kottayam, Kerala
National Record: 6.83m at Athens Olympics 2004 (stood for 22 years)
Biggest Achievement: Bronze at 2003 World Championships in Paris — India's first ever athletics World Championships medal
Other Medals: Gold at 2005 World Athletics Final, Gold at 2002 Commonwealth Games, Gold at 2002 Asian Games, Gold at 2005 Asian Championships
Awards: Arjuna Award (2002), Khel Ratna (2003), Padma Shri (2004), BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
Current Role: Senior Vice President, Athletics Federation of India
Unique Challenge: Competed with only one kidney (Unilateral Renal Agenesis) and a chronic ankle injury

Ancy Sojan: The New Queen

Born: 1 March 2001, Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala
National Record: 6.88m at Bhubaneswar 2026 (broke Anju's 22-year record)
Biggest Achievement: Silver at 2022 Asian Games Hangzhou with 6.63m
Other Medals: Silver at 2025 Asian Championships Gumi (6.33m), Gold at 2024 National Open Championships (6.71m)
Current Role: Chief Petty Officer (PT), Indian Navy
World Ranking 2026: 7th in women's long jump
Family Background: Daughter of auto-rickshaw driver Sojan ET, trained by auto-rickshaw driver coach Sanoj VV

What connects them is not just the record. It is the Kerala spirit — the determination to succeed against all odds, the love for athletics, and the pride of representing India on the world stage. Anju paved the way. Ancy is walking on that path and taking it even further.

Why Ancy Sojan's Story Matters for India

Ancy Sojan is not just an athlete. She is a symbol of hope for millions of young girls in India who dream of achieving something extraordinary but feel held back by their circumstances. Her story matters because it proves several important things:

Talent can come from anywhere. Ancy did not grow up in a big city with world-class facilities. She grew up in a fishing village. Her father drives an auto-rickshaw. Her coach drives an auto-rickshaw. And yet, she is now the best long jumper India has ever produced. This sends a powerful message to every small town and village in India — your background does not determine your future.

Grassroots coaches are the real heroes. Sanoj VV is not a certified, high-profile coach. He is a former district-level athlete who started a small academy because he wanted to help young talent. Without him, Ancy might never have discovered her gift. India needs thousands more coaches like Sanoj — people who care more about their athletes than their pay cheques.

Fathers who support their daughters can change the world. Sojan ET could have easily told Ancy to focus on her studies and forget about sports. That is what many fathers in conservative societies do. But Sojan did the opposite. He drove her to practice every day in his auto-rickshaw. He missed earnings to watch her compete. He believed in her when no one else did. That kind of parental support is priceless.

The Indian Navy is a force multiplier for sports. Ancy's career took off after she joined the Navy. The armed forces have a long history of producing great Indian athletes — from Milkha Singh to Neeraj Chopra. The Navy gave Ancy structure, discipline, facilities, and the pride of serving the nation. More young athletes should consider this path.

Records are meant to be broken. For 22 years, 6.83m seemed untouchable. It was a psychological barrier as much as a physical one. Ancy broke it not just with her legs, but with her mind. She believed she could do it. And that belief is what separates champions from the rest.

Conclusion: A New Era in Indian Long Jump

Ancy Sojan's 6.88-metre jump is more than just a number. It is a declaration — that Indian women's athletics has entered a new era. For 22 years, Anju Bobby George's 6.83m was the gold standard, the unreachable peak, the stuff of legends. Now, Ancy has shown that the peak was never unreachable. It just needed someone brave enough, determined enough, and talented enough to climb it.

From the auto-rickshaw rides to practice sessions in Nattika to the roar of the crowd at Kalinga Stadium, Ancy's journey is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, when belief meets hard work, and when a father's dreams meet a daughter's determination. She is not just Kerala's pride or India's pride. She is the pride of every young girl who has ever been told that her background is too humble, her resources too limited, or her dreams too big.

The 7-metre barrier awaits. The World Championships await. The Los Angeles Olympics await. And if there is one thing we have learned from Ancy Sojan's story, it is this: never count her out. Because when an auto-rickshaw driver's daughter can break a 22-year-old national record, there is truly no limit to what she can achieve next.

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Last Updated: June 2026 | Article Published on Barristery.in

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AUTHOR: RABI KR. PANDIT

Hello, I am Rabi Kr. Pandit, the founder of this platform and a resident of Kolkata, India. I hold a degree in History, Political Science, and English, and I am currently pursuing my legal studies at Jogesh Chandra Chaudhary Law College under the University of Calcutta. I manage multiple educational blogs with the aim of delivering knowledge in a clear, structured, and accessible manner. My focus is on simplifying complex topics and presenting reliable information that benefits students and readers from diverse academic backgrounds.