Asha Ilango Headlines Indian Athletics Series-6 with Breakthrough Triple Jump, Reegan Ganesh Impresses in Pole Vault

Indian athletics witnessed a series of notable performances at the Indian Athletics Series-6 meet in Chennai, with Tamil Nadu’s Asha Ilango delivering the standout moment of the day. 

The triple jumper registered a massive lifetime best of 13.52m, not only crossing the 13m mark for the first time in her career but also setting the best Indian performance of the season. Competing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Asha’s jump marked a significant leap in her progression. Breaking the 13m barrier is a key benchmark in women’s triple jump, often separating emerging athletes from those ready to compete consistently at the national elite level. Her 13.52m effort places her at the top of India’s seasonal rankings and establishes her as a serious contender heading into major domestic competitions.

The event also saw 18-year-old Sadhana Ravi deliver an impressive performance, finishing second with a jump of 13.02m. She was the only other athlete in the field to cross the 13m mark, highlighting the quality at the top end of the competition. Indoor champion Mallala Anusha secured third place with 12.94m, narrowly missing out on the 13m mark but maintaining consistency. From a broader perspective, the triple jump event reflected a promising trend. With two athletes crossing 13m in the same competition, there is growing depth in the discipline, which has historically struggled for consistency at the national level. Asha’s breakthrough, in particular, could signal the emergence of a new leading figure in Indian women’s triple jump.

In the men’s pole vault, Tamil Nadu’s Reegan Ganesh continued his strong season, clinching the title with a clearance of 5.30m. This marked the third time he has achieved the height this season and notably his first successful clearance at that mark in outdoor conditions. Reegan’s performance demonstrated both consistency and ambition. After securing the title, he attempted to clear 5.45m, which would have equalled or surpassed the national record. On his final attempt, he came agonisingly close, indicating that he is operating near record-breaking territory. His progression this season suggests that a new national benchmark could be within reach if he maintains this trajectory.

Behind him, M Gowtham finished second with a clearance of 5.10m, while Ram Ratan secured third place with 5.00m. While the gap between first and second was evident, the event overall showed a competitive field, with multiple athletes clearing significant heights.

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The men’s long jump also delivered a noteworthy performance, with Sreeshankar leading the field after four attempts. His best jump of 8.04m, achieved in his fourth attempt, placed him comfortably ahead of the competition. His series featuring jumps of 7.90m and 8.04m alongside fouls indicated both aggression and consistency. Crossing the 8m mark remains a key standard in men’s long jump, and Sreeshankar’s performance reinforces his position as India’s leading athlete in the event. His ability to produce a big jump mid-series suggests strong rhythm and control, both essential for success at higher levels of competition.

In the women’s long jump, Sherin Gafoor emerged as the winner with a season-best jump of 6.07m. She was the only athlete in the field to cross the 6m mark, underlining both her relative dominance in the event on the day and the overall lack of depth in the competition. However, the performance was below the standards set by India’s top jumpers this season. With athletes like Ancy Sojan (6.54m), Shaili Singh (6.52m), and Pavana Nagaraj (6.47m) leading the national rankings, Sherin’s mark reflects a gap that will need to be bridged for higher-level competitiveness.

Despite that, crossing 6m for the first time this season is a positive step for Sherin, indicating potential for improvement as the season progresses. For the field as a whole, the event highlighted the need for greater consistency and higher performance levels to match the leading national standards. Overall, Indian Series-6 provided a platform for both breakthrough performances and established athletes to assert their presence. Asha Ilango’s leap beyond 13m stands out as the defining moment, signalling the arrival of a new contender in women’s triple jump.

Reegan Ganesh’s continued consistency in pole vault, combined with his near attempt at a national record, adds another layer of excitement to the field events. Meanwhile, Sreeshankar’s 8.04m jump reaffirms his position at the top of Indian long jump. As the domestic season progresses, performances like these will play a crucial role in shaping selection for major competitions. With athletes pushing personal and seasonal bests, the competitive standard continues to rise.

In Chennai, the message was clear Indian athletics is witnessing both emergence and evolution, with young athletes stepping up and established names maintaining their dominance.