Ankita Dhyani Sets National Record in 2000m Steeplechase

New Delhi, August 15 (PTI) — In a remarkable feat at the Grand Slam Jerusalem athletics meet, Indian Olympian Ankita Dhyani has set a new national record in the women's 2000m steeplechase category, clinching the gold medal in the process. Ankita, aged 23, finished the race with an impressive time of 6 minutes 13.92 seconds, surpassing the previous national record of 6:14.38, which was held by Parul Chaudhary.

This victory has provided Ankita with crucial ranking points, significantly enhancing her prospects of qualifying for the 3000m steeplechase event at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. Her participation in these championships could be secured through the world ranking quota, given the existing rule that allows performance in the 2000m steeplechase to count towards the world rankings for the 3000m event.

Indian athletics head coach, Radhakrishnan Nair, confirmed this rule to PTI, stating, "Yes, under the rules, the performance of the 2000m steeplechase will be counted for world ranking purposes in the 3000m steeplechase for the World Championships in Tokyo. It is an existing rule."

The Grand Slam Jerusalem serves as a World Athletics Continental Tour silver level (Category B) event, adding prestige to Ankita's accomplishment. In the same race, Israel's Adva Cohen and Denmark’s Juliane Hvid finished second and third, clocking times of 6:15.20 and 6:17.80 respectively.

Ankita's recent performances underscore her talent and determination. She had previously secured a silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the World University Games last month, where she clocked a personal best of 9:31.99. Additionally, Ankita represented India in the women’s 5000m race at the 2024 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 5000m at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.

Earlier this year, Ankita demonstrated her prowess by clinching gold medals in both the women's 5000m and 3000m steeplechase events at the Uttarakhand National Games. Ankita's accomplishments continue to bring pride to Indian athletics.

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