CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Pooja, a middle-distance runner from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Bhopal, has carved a place for herself among India’s most promising athletics talents through sheer hard work and ability. Emerging from a humble rural background, she is on an inspiring journey from her village to the global sporting stage.
Born into a farming family, the 23-year-old athlete, while sharing her experiences, said, “When I won my first international medal, people in my village began encouraging their children to take up sports. That moment changed not only my life but also the mindset of society.”
Early Journey: From Hockey to Athletics
Pooja began her sporting career playing hockey at STC Badal, where she developed basic physical discipline. In 2017, she started running informally with athletics athletes, without any formal training or long-term plan. However, her raw talent did not go unnoticed.
At this turning point, coach Saurabh Yadav entered her life. Recognizing her natural endurance, speed, and dedication, he encouraged Pooja to fully commit to athletics. Under his guidance, her talent was systematically nurtured and refined.
First International Breakthrough
Hard work paid off in 2019 when Pooja won the silver medal in the 800 meters at the 3rd Asian Youth Athletics Championships held in Hong Kong, earning her first international medal for India. This achievement laid the foundation for her future international career.
Entry into SAI NCOE Bhopal
In 2023, Pooja was inducted into one of India’s premier high-performance centers, SAI NCOE Bhopal. Her mentor, Saurabh Yadav, had also joined NCOE Bhopal a few months earlier. With access to world-class facilities, scientific training, competitive exposure, and recovery support, Pooja’s performance improved rapidly.
Golden Phase: An Exceptional Year in 2025
The year 2025 proved to be a golden phase in Pooja’s career. During this period, she consistently won medals in major international competitions and achieved personal best performances, placing her among Asia’s top middle-distance runners.
Major Achievements (2025)
World Athletics Championships 2025, Tokyo – Personal best performance and heat qualifier
Taiwan Athletics Open 2025 – Double Gold (Championship Record)
800 meters
1500 meters
Asian Athletics Championships 2025, South Korea
800 meters – Bronze
1500 meters – Silver
World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Meet (Indian Open) 2025
1500 meters – Gold
In addition, Pooja has won nearly 20 medals in major national-level competitions, reflecting her consistency and high performance.
Upcoming Challenge: World Cross Country Championships
With her continued rise, Pooja is now set to represent India at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships to be held in the United States from January 10. She will compete in the relay event, marking her first relay experience and the first time a relay event has been introduced at the World Cross Country Championships.
Sharing his confidence, coach Saurabh Yadav said,
“Since I began coaching Pooja, I have seen great potential in her to excel in longer distances and win medals for India. The relay event will be a new experience for her, and I am fully confident that she will perform exceptionally well.”
Abhishek Singh Chauhan, Regional Director of SAI CRC Bhopal, stated that Pooja’s achievements are a matter of pride for SAI NCOE Bhopal and extended his best wishes to her for the upcoming competition.
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