Long jumper Shaili Singh created history by winning the silver medal at the World U20 Championship in Nairobi on Sunday (August 22) bringing extreme joy to Jhansi and India. This is India's third medal in World U20 Championship.
She missed out on gold by a centimetre but established herself as a star. Shaili is mentored by long jump legend Anju Bobby George and coached by her husband Robert. Incidentally, India's golden boy, Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra became the U20 world champion five years ago.
Rising through poverty
Overcoming poverty and family difficulties, the 17-year-old Shaili's journey from Jhansi is anything but smooth.
Brought up by a single mother, Shaili did not have shoes when she first started. Her mother learnt tailoring to earn a living but struggled to put three square meals on the table. Despite all the difficulties, her mother Vanita Singh single-handedly raised three daughters.
Despite blisters, Shaili ran without shoes as a young athlete to compete in school-level competitions. Now, that young girl without shoes has brought laurels to the country and became the new Jhansi ki Rani.
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Coached by Anju Bobby George’s husband Robert
Robert Bobby George, the husband of Anju Bobby George, India's top long jumper in a junior national tournament, first noticed Shaili when she was just 14 years old. Robert himself coached Shaili as he knew there was something exceptional about this new queen of Jhansi. He called Shaili to Bangalore for Anju Bobby George Academy training. Her mother initially objected but Robert convinced her that her daughter had the potential to be a champion athlete.
Mentor Anju Bobby George is confident
Shaili, the world No. 1 in Under-18 has broken the national record numerous times. In the under-18 category, she is the world's best long jumper. Shaili's coach Anju is certain that she will continue to progress and break her own national record after her outstanding performance in the ongoing championship.
“She can improve on the national record. Our main target for Shaili is to help her finish on the podium at the Olympic Games, which is the most valuable thing. If our trainee can win a medal, I will consider it as my own.”