Baranica Elangovan wins India’s first Asian Games pole vault medal, taking shared bronze

The 29-year-old secured the bronze with a best clearance of 4.15m. She shared the medal with Kazakhstan's Polina Ivanova, who also cleared 4.15m. The two athletes matched each other on countback, resulting in a shared bronze.

Baranica Elangovan wins Indias firstever Asian Games pole vault bronze

Baranica Elangovan has emerged as one of India’s leading pole vaulters after years of steady progress in athletics. The Tamil Nadu athlete reached a major milestone on Friday by winning bronze at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her medal made her the first Indian to win an Asian Games medal in pole vault.pic.twitter.com/7szqDVTfCk— Abhi (@Abhi72763798418) September 25, 2026 Who is Baranica Elangovan?Elangovan was born in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, and began her pole vault journey while studying at Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai. She was initially unsure about taking up the event and had concerns about handling the pole and adapting to its demands. Her training under coach Milber Bertrand Russell helped her develop in the discipline and build confidence.Elangovan’s breakthrough on the domestic circuit included a 4.05m clearance at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in June 2022. The performance also set a new meet record. She continued to improve her performances as she gained experience at national competitions.Her biggest progress came in 2026 when she repeatedly raised the Indian record. She cleared 4.22m at the National Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar in March before improving the mark to 4.23m in May. HISTORY IN NAGOYA! Baranica Elangovan wins India's FIRST-EVER Asian Games medal in the Women's Pole Vault! ⬆️⬆️ 4.15mBar by bar, she held her nerve:✅ Cleared 4.00m to stay in the hunt✅ Soared over 4.15m to break into the medals Finished on the podium, level… pic.twitter.com/bTpz2bA78p— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) September 25, 2026 History Maker! Baranica Elangovan Becomes First Ever Indian Pole Vault Medalist With Asian Games 2026 BronzeMaking Asian Games historyElangovan carried that momentum into the Asian Games in Nagoya. She cleared 4.15m and finished level with Kazakhstan’s Polina Ivanova, with both athletes also matching each other on countback. The result saw them share the bronze medal.The podium finish is the biggest international milestone of Elangovan’s career so far. It also gives India its first Asian Games medal in pole vault. From an uncertain start in college to a national record and a historic Asian Games podium, Elangovan’s journey reflects the steady growth of an Indian athlete.

Baranica Elangovan made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian to win a pole vault medal at the Asian Games. She claimed bronze at the Aichi-Nagoya Games after clearing 4.15m at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Elangovan shared the medal with Kazakhstan’s Polina Ivanova, who also cleared 4.15m. HISTORY IN NAGOYA! Baranica Elangovan wins India's FIRST-EVER Asian Games medal in the Women's Pole Vault! ⬆️⬆️ 4.15mBar by bar, she held her nerve:✅ Cleared 4.00m to stay in the hunt✅ Soared over 4.15m to break into the medals Finished on the podium, level… pic.twitter.com/bTpz2bA78p— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) September 25, 2026 History in the makingElangovan and Ivanova remained level after recording the same best height. Their countback records were also identical, leaving the two athletes tied for third place. As a result, both were awarded the bronze medal.The achievement marks a significant moment for Indian athletics, particularly in women’s pole vault. India had never won an Asian Games medal in the event before Elangovan’s breakthrough in Nagoya. Her performance has now placed her name in the history of Indian athletics.Gulveer Singh Clinches Silver In 10,000m At Asian Games 2026The Asian Games medal comes during a strong season for Elangovan. She entered the competition as India’s national record holder after clearing 4.23m earlier this year. That mark improved on her previous national record of 4.22m.Elangovan first raised the national record to 4.22m at the National Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar in March. She then went higher at the Indian Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition in May. Her 4.23m clearance became the latest national benchmark in the women’s pole vault.