Indian Pole Vaulter Defies Taunts, Wins Bronze

Times of India · sports

Baranica Elangovan has become the first Indian to win an Asian Games medal in pole vault, securing a bronze by clearing 4.15m in Nagoya. Despite facing village taunts and warnings that her sport was too risky, her parents supported her journey. Elangovan overcame an ACL surgery in 2019 and transitioned from triple jump to pole vault, finding excitement in the event. Her historic medal is a testament to her perseverance against societal doubts and personal injury setbacks.