Early Life and Education
Annu Rani Dharayan was born on August 28, 1992, in the village of Bahadurpur in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Amarpal, was a farmer, and initially, he was skeptical about girls pursuing athletics. However, Annu's brother, Upendra, saw her potential during a cricket game and began training her by having her throw sugarcane sticks. Due to financial constraints, Annu crafted her first javelin from bamboo. She started her javelin journey at the age of 18 in 2010, and her father's support grew after she broke the national record in 2014.
Personal Life
Annu's personal life reflects her dedication to sports and the challenges she faced as a female athlete in India. Initially coached by Kashinath Naik, she is currently under the guidance of Baljeet Singh. Despite initial family disapproval, Annu's determination and achievements eventually garnered their support. Her journey is not only about her athletic prowess but also about breaking societal norms and inspiring other women in her community to pursue sports.
Athletics Career
Major Achievements
- National Record Breaker: Annu won her first gold medal at the 2014 National Inter-State Athletics Championship, breaking a 14-year-old national record with a throw of 58.83 meters.
- Asian Games Success: She won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon with a throw of 59.53 meters.
- World Championships Finalist: Annu became the first Indian woman to reach the finals of the women's javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019, with a throw of 62.34 meters.
- Commonwealth Games Medalist: She made history at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games by becoming the first Indian female javelin thrower to win a medal, securing a bronze.
- Asian Games Gold Medalist: In 2023, Annu won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Olympic Journey
- Tokyo 2020: Annu qualified for the Tokyo Olympics through world rankings and holds a personal best throw of 63.24 meters, achieved in 2021.
- Paris 2024: Although she failed to achieve the direct qualification mark for the Paris Olympics 2024, she earned her second Olympic berth via the ranking quota.
Awards and Recognition
- Sportstar Aces Sportswoman of the Year Award: Annu received this accolade in Athletics in 2020.
- National Open Athletics Championship: She won a gold medal at the 59th edition of this championship.
Annu Rani's achievements have made her a prominent figure in Indian athletics, paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Her story is a testament to determination, breaking barriers, and inspiring others.