RANCHI: All Ansi Sujans wanted to be careful and avoid wrong jumps coming into the long jump event at the National Senior Athletics Federation competition. He not only did it but also bettered his personal best and meet record, winning the gold medal with a jump of 6.75m at the Bursa Munda Stadium in Morabadi here on Friday.It wouldn’t have been possible without her determination to push herself, especially when she’s dealing with hormone issues that have made it difficult for her to lose weight. As a result, he had to starve himself at times, and now all his sacrifices have finally paid off.Talking about it, the Asian Games silver medalist said, “I was struggling with hormonal issues, and it was very difficult for me to lose weight. I had to be very disciplined with my diet and training. I knew that if I wanted to perform well, I had to stay committed and follow my coach’s advice.“There were times when I was very hungry, but I controlled myself and stuck to the plan. It was tough, but it worked. I managed to lose fat and weight, and now I can see the difference in my performance,” added Ansi, who trains under coach Anoop Joseph.“I still remember those offseason days when I would literally break down in tears after a run. But deep down, I just wanted to come back with a strong performance.”Ansi’s series on Friday read 6.47m, 6.56m, 6.69m, 6.75m, 6.68m and 6.57m, and she now believes she can go even further than Anju Bobby George’s current national record of 6.83m.“I was aiming for the Commonwealth Games, but I fell 9cm short, I’m sure it will come,” said Ansi, whose 2025 season was cut short by injury.Despite his failure to make it to the CWG, it is a remarkable comeback from under 2025, when his best run was just 6.54m and his critics began to question whether he had the potential to go further. But he proved them wrong, largely thanks to his fighting spirit.“The mental preparation was always there, but I want to overcome the obstacles, fight them, be it the wind, the weather or my own mind,” said the 25-year-old, who also received a message of encouragement from her good friend Momita Moodle ahead of the tournament.As for her doubters, she is focused on letting her performances do the talking.“I’ve heard a lot of people say ‘she won’t come back’ or ‘this little athlete can beat her’. I’ve heard those rumours, but I’m fine with that, I’ll continue to train hard, and I’ll show what I can do. I’m sure I’ll show the mill already in the first competition,” she added.Hopefully, she can maintain this performance in the upcoming tournaments and shine once again in the Asian Games, for which she has already qualified.
