Bengaluru Athlete Pavana Nagaraj Shines at Asian U-20 Athletics Championship

Bengaluru’s Pavana Nagaraj Shines at Asian U-20 Athletics Championship

Bengaluru’s Pavana Nagaraj made her mark at the ongoing Asian U-20 Athletics Championship in Dubai by clinching the gold medal in the long jump event. The 18-year-old athlete, with a jump of 6.32 meters in her third attempt, showcased her talent and potential on the international stage.

Athletics runs deep in Pavana’s blood, with her father BG Nagaraj being a national and international sprinter, and her mother Sahana Kumari holding the national record for high jump. Growing up in a household where sports was a way of life, Pavana was inspired to follow in her parents’ footsteps and pursue a career in athletics.

Nagaraj, a former Commonwealth Games competitor, expressed his pride in his daughter’s achievement, stating, “We have big plans for her and I feel this is just the start.” Pavana’s mother, Sahana, who is also her coach, was overwhelmed with emotion at her daughter’s success, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing her daughter excel in the sport she loves.

Currently training at the Reliance Academy in Mumbai under the guidance of head coach James Hillier, Pavana is focusing on perfecting heptathlon, a multi-event discipline that will help her become a more well-rounded athlete. With aspirations of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Pavana is determined to continue her journey towards success in athletics.

The gold medal in Dubai serves as a significant milestone in Pavana’s career, showcasing her potential as a versatile athlete with a bright future ahead. As she continues to hone her skills and explore different events, Pavana’s dedication and passion for the sport are sure to lead her to even greater achievements in the years to come.