History Maker! Baranica Elangovan Becomes First Ever Indian Pole Vault Medalist With Asian Games 2026 Bronze

Baranica Elangovan shattered records and history on Friday by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the pole vault category at the Asian Games. The Aichi-Nagoya Games saw Elangovan claim a bronze medal for clearing a height of 4.15 meters at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, sharing the honor with Kazakhstan's Polina Ivanova, who also achieved the same height.

Elangovan's achievement is a significant milestone for Indian athletics, particularly in women's pole vault. This marks India's first-ever Asian Games medal in the event, a breakthrough that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian athletes.

The 28-year-old achieved this historic feat during a strong season, having entered the competition as India's national record holder. Her current personal best stands at 4.23 meters, surpassing her previous record of 4.22 meters set earlier this year. She made strides to this achievement by first raising the national record to 4.22 meters at the National Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar in March, and then further improving it at the Indian Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition in May.

In the end, Elangovan and Ivanova remained level after recording the same best height, with identical countback records. Consequently, both were awarded the bronze medal, sharing the victory in Nagoya.