CHENNAI: Indian athlete Krishna Jayasankar continues to establish herself as a record-breaking force in athletics. The 23-year-old secured a remarkable victory at the New Mexico Team Open in Albuquerque, USA, on Saturday by surpassing her own women's indoor shot put national record with an impressive throw of 16.63 meters.
Consistent Record-Breaking Performance
This achievement marks another milestone in Krishna's growing career. She had previously set the national record at 16.03 meters last year, becoming the first Indian woman to breach the 16-meter barrier in indoor shot put. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will officially ratify this new record following standard procedures.
Season Progression and Competition Results
This was Krishna's second competition of the current season. She began with a win at the Nevada Invitational several weeks earlier, where she recorded a throw of 15.99 meters. Her consistent improvement demonstrates her dedication and technical development as an athlete.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Krishna's path to this record was particularly challenging due to health issues. "Like several people in the US, I too was infected with a common flu in December," she revealed. "I feel like I am still recovering because the illness took a lot out of me. However, before that, my pre-season was good."
Technical Transition and Training Focus
The athlete, who is currently pursuing her master's degree at the University of Nevada, also discussed her training regimen. "I am a part-time discus thrower and a full-time shot putter right now, and making the transition was a little difficult," Krishna explained. "The rhythm and body mechanics change, and that was my biggest focus during the pre-season."
She emphasized her physical development, stating, "Moreover, I got stronger in the gym and became technically faster. The main focus, especially during the fall season, was to stay healthy, given that I had injury concerns."
Future Goals and NCAA Prospects
Reflecting on her achievement at the same facility where she broke her previous record, Krishna shared, "It was kind of a deja vu moment for me. My coach said that I did well, but there is still more left in the tank. I am confident that I will break the 17-meter barrier soon."
Currently ranked 17th in the 'road to NCAA Indoor Championships' standings, Krishna needs to reach the top-16 to qualify. She remains hopeful about securing her position through strong performances in upcoming competitions.
Post-Collegiate Plans
After completing her collegiate career in April, Krishna plans to return to India to participate in domestic athletic meets. This homecoming will allow her to compete on familiar ground while continuing her pursuit of excellence in shot put.
Krishna Jayasankar's journey exemplifies the determination and resilience required to excel in competitive athletics. Her ability to overcome health setbacks while consistently improving her performance makes her one of India's most promising track and field athletes on the international stage.
