India's female javelin thrower Annu Rani has broken the national record eight times. She had broken the previous record in the Federation Cup in March. Athlete from Bahadurpur village of Meerut is the first female player of the country to throw a throw above 60 meters. Three years ago, Annu Rani made history by reaching the finals of World Athletics in Doha. There is a long story of struggles behind the success of Annu.

 

Born in a farming family, Annu never thought that as a child throwing sugarcane in the fields would be the first lesson in javelin throwing. In the beginning, when I stepped forward in sports, also had to face taunts. In the beginning, even training was done secretly. When she broke the national record for the first time in the Inter-State Championship in Lucknow seven years ago, there was no looking back after that. Annu says that there were a lot of problems during the Corona era. There were less competitions abroad. In the country, she feels the lack of the right companion for practice. In the midst of a tough challenge in the Olympics, she is hopeful of her best performance. The Asian Games bronze medalist last month threw an inter-state athletics throw of 62.83m but could not achieve the Olympic qualifying mark of 64m. She got a chance to participate in the Olympics by ranking 18th in Road to Tokyo.

 

Annu says that initially there were a lot of financial problems for training. Let alone buying a javelin, there were no expensive sports shoes. She practiced wearing her brother's big shoes, even though they were not fit. Brother recognized her talent. Initially, bamboo was thrown as a spear. When I got encouragement from my father, it was as if my dreams were fulfilled. Annu says that the family has a big contribution in her success. According to Annu 'I remember when father borrowed money from friends several times for training expenses. I was determined to do something. Everyone's hard work and struggle should not go in vain.' Let us tell you that Annu has won 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Asian Championships 2017 Bhubaneshwar Bronze, 2019 Asian Championships Silver Medal, 2016 SAARC Games Guwahati Silver Medal.