India secured a podium double in women's long jump at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on Thursday.

Kerala's Ancy Sojan claimed silver behind Iran's Reihaneh Moini Arani (6.40m), while Shaili Singh from Jhansi took bronze in the event. Ancy cleared a modest 6.33 m while Shaili was just 3 cm short of her compatriot.

Though Ancy and Shaili added to India's medal tally, they were far from their best on a rainy day in the South Korean city.

Shaili Singh. File photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Shaili jumped a season's best of 6.64m in late April on her way to gold in the Federation Cup held in Kochi. Ancy was placed second in the event with a best of 6.46 m. The Kerala star improved her performance in mid-May in an event in the UAE, where she did 6.54m.

The Iranian Arani, meanwhile, was more consistent with her performances as she had set a national record of 6.53 m in early February.

Shaili is the country's best active women's jumper, with a personal best of 6.76m set in April 2023, while Ancy cleared 6.71m last September.

Shaili's trainer and former champion athlete, Anju Bobby George, holds the national record in women's long jump, an incredible 6.83m set in August 2004.

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