Baranica Elangovan Wins India's First Asian Games Pole Vault Medal

Baranica Elangovan created history at the Asian Games in Nagoya on September 25, becoming the first Indian ever to win a medal in the pole vault event at the continental Games. Her bronze-medal finish marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics.

Baranica Elangovan Wins a Historic Bronze Medal for India in Women's Pole Vault

Until this event, no Indian athlete had ever stood on an Asian Games pole vault podium. Baranica changed that with a composed performance, ending a decades-long gap for the country in this discipline and giving India its maiden medal in the event at the Games.

Baranica Elangovan Achieved a Best Clearance of 4.15m

The 29-year-old cleared a height of 4.15m to secure her medal. She attempted to go higher but could not clear 4.25m, a height that ultimately decided the final standings among the top contenders.

Japan's Misaki Morota Won Gold, China's Chunge Niu Won Silver

Japan's Misaki Morota claimed the gold medal with a personal-best clearance of 4.55m, while China's Chunge Niu secured silver with a jump of 4.50m. Both athletes finished well ahead of the rest of the field, showcasing the strong standard of competition in the women's pole vault event this year.

Elangovan Shared the Bronze Medal with Polina Ivanova

Interestingly, Baranica did not win the bronze outright. Kazakhstan's Polina Ivanova also cleared 4.15m and recorded the same number of failed attempts at 4.25m, resulting in a tie. As a result, both athletes were jointly awarded the bronze medal.

About Baranica Elangovan

1. Born on February 3, 1997, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, Baranica's journey to this medal was far from easy. A serious ACL injury in 2020 kept her out of action for a long period, but she persisted with her rehabilitation and training. 
2. Her move to the Reliance Foundation High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar in 2023 proved to be a turning point, giving her access to better training facilities. 
3. She steadily improved her national record through 2026, eventually reaching a personal best of 4.23m before the Asian Games. 
4. Her rise was also backed by government support, including financial assistance under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) scheme.