Baranika Ilangovan Makes Pole Vault History at Asian Games

New Delhi, September 25 – In a landmark performance, 29‑year‑old Baranika Ilangovan earned a bronze medal for India in the women’s pole vault at the Asian Games 2026, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the podium in this event.

Ilangovan cleared 4.15 metres, matching Kazakhstan’s Polina Ivanova, who shared the bronze. Baranika’s series included clearances of 3.85m, 4.00m and the decisive 4.15m, though she was unable to surpass 4.25m in her three attempts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement on the PMO’s X handle, describing it as “a special jump for the nation” and expressing confidence that it will inspire young athletes to take up pole vault.

The medal joins a silver by Gulveer Singh in the men’s 10,000m and a bronze by Manpreet Kaur in shot put, bringing India’s athletics tally for the day to two silver and one bronze.