Krishna Jayasankar betters shot put national indoor mark

CHENNAI: Krishna Jayasankar is developing a habit of breaking national records. The 23-year-old secured the top spot at the New Mexico Team Open in Albuquerque, USA, on Saturday by bettering her own women’s indoor shot put national record with a throw of 16.63m. She had set the previous mark of 16.03m last year, when she became the first Indian woman to breach 16m. The national record is subject to ratification by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

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It was Krishna’s second competition of the season, following her win at the Nevada Invitational a few weeks ago, where she recorded 15.99m. “It was kind of a deja vu moment for me as I broke the national record (indoor) at the same facility last time. My coach said that I did well, but there is still more left in the tank. I am confident that I will break the 17m barrier soon,” Krishna, who is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Nevada, told TOI from Las Vegas.

Her path to the national record was not easy, having battled flu in December. “Like several people in the US, I too was infected with a common flu. I feel like I am still recovering, because the illness took a lot out of me. However, before that, my pre-season was good. I am a part-time discus thrower and a full-time shot putter right now and making the transition was a little difficult. The rhythm and body mechanics change, and that was my biggest focus during the pre-season. “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.” Krishna is currently ranked 17th in the ‘road to NCAA Indoor Championships’, while the top-16 make the cut. She is hopeful that she will make it through with good performances in the upcoming competitions.

After completing her collegiate career in April, Krishna will return to India to compete in domestic meets.


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