Born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Annu Rani has emerged as a trailblazer, setting new records and frontiers in the world of women's javelin throw. Her journey began hurling sugarcane stalks in empty fields. Today, she is the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in javelin throw at the 2023 Asian Games.
Annu made history when she won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, with a remarkable throw of 62.92 meters. This achievement marked her as the first Indian woman to win gold in javelin throw at a global sporting meet.
(Photo courtesy: annurani_)
Limited Facilities, Unique Training
Annu Rani was born into a family of farmers, with a conservative approach that initially opposed the idea of their daughter becoming an athlete. However, her brother Upendra, who was a long-distance runner, recognised her talent during a cricket match. He observed her strong throwing arm as she effortlessly hurled the ball while fielding at the boundary. Despite facing resistance from her family, Upendra persisted in encouraging Annu to take up javelin throw.
Undeterred by the lack of facilities in her village, she began her training by hurling sugarcane stalks in empty fields. Her dedication and early success at the junior level caught the attention of Kashinath Naik, the 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist-turned-coach, who became her mentor.
(Photo courtesy: annurani_)
Annu Rani, now 31, initially drew inspiration from the training programmes of iconic athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Phelps. Their discipline and life stories motivated her to push her limits. During the challenging period of the Covid-19 lockdown, which impacted her presence at the Tokyo Olympics, Annu turned to inspirational videos of Cristiano Ronaldo to keep herself motivated and focused on her goals.
Overcoming Conservative Views
Despite the initial hurdles and strict societal norms, Annu always stressed upon the importance of hard work and talent, irrespective of her background. She shattered the misconception that only those with access to better facilities and from affluent families could excel in sports. According to her, talent and hard work are the key ingredients for success.
Annu Rani's achievements speak volumes about her dedication and prowess in javelin throw. She became the first Indian woman to compete in the women's javelin throw finals at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. Despite falling short of the Olympic Qualification threshold, she secured her spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics based on international rankings.
(Photo courtesy: annurani_)
Inspiring The Next Generation
Annu Rani's dreams extend beyond personal achievements and medals. She envisions a future where girls in the remotest parts of the country can aspire to achieve their dreams, shattering the norms that society has set for them.
(Photo courtesy: annurani_)
As she looks ahead, Annu Rani aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, further solidifying her status as a pioneer in Indian women's javelin throw. Her journey from the fields of UP to the global sporting stage serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.