Shaili Singh breaks Anju Bobby George’s record, calls it the beginning of her journey
Ernakulam: Young long jumper Shaili Singh created history at the Federation Cup by breaking a 23-year-old record previously held by her mentor and legendary athlete Anju Bobby George. The 21-year-old achieved a leap of 6.64 meters at Maharaja’s College Ground, surpassing Anju’s 2002 record of 6.59 meters.
Speaking after her historic performance, Shaili expressed immense pride and gratitude. "Breaking Anju ma'am's long-standing record is a moment of immense pride for me," she said. "She has always been a source of inspiration. To now be part of the same legacy is an incredible honour. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I look forward to achieving many more milestones for my country."
Anju Bobby George, reacting to her protégé’s achievement, praised Shaili’s dedication and potential. "Records are meant to be broken," Anju said. "I'm thrilled to see Shaili reach this milestone. From the moment we first spotted her talent, it was clear she was destined for great things. Watching her progress has been like witnessing the future of Indian athletics unfold. I’m incredibly proud to pass the baton to someone so dedicated and talented."
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Shaili Singh has been selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 31 in Gumi, South Korea.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
