Anju Bobby George
The Woman Of The Year By World Athletics
By Our Special Correspondent
Legendary Indian long jumper Anju Bobby George was bestowed with the Woman of the year Award by the World Athletics for grooming talent in the country and advocating gender equality. She is the second recipient of the prestigious award, which was started in 2019, after Ethiopia’s double Olympic champion Derartu Tulu.
The 44-year-old Anju Bobby George is the only Indian to have won a medal in the World Athletics Championship with a long jump bronze in the 2003 edition. She also won a gold medal in the IAAF 2005 World Athletics Finals in Monaco. She finished 6th in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens with a personal best leap of 6.83m, only to be elevated to 5th later when Marion Jones of USA was disqualified for a doping offence.
Bestowing the honour on Bobby George, the World Athletics said, “The former international
long jump star from India is still actively involved in the sport. In 2016, she opened a training academy for young girls, which already helped to produce a world U20 medalist.” One of India’s most illustrious track and field athletes was also hailed for her efforts towards gender equality. “A constant voice for gender equality in her role as Senior Vice-President of the Indian Athletics Federation, Bobby George also mentors schoolgirls for future leadership positions within the sport,” it added.
Hailing from Kerala, Ms. Anju runs her academy, Anju Bobby George Foundation, which is currently nurturing 13 women athletes--small and kids—and within a short span of three years, they all have already embarked upon their journey to the world stage.
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