Annu Rani, India’s top javelin thrower, made a powerful comeback by winning gold at the Wiesław Maniak Memorial 2025 in Poland with a 62.59m throw. Her journey from rural UP to global podiums is a story of grit, resilience, and quiet determination.
Annu Rani is more than India’s top javelin thrower — she represents determination, grit, and defiance of the odds. Born into a farming family in rural Uttar Pradesh, she taught herself to throw using sugarcane sticks and climbed the ranks with no access to proper facilities or equipment. This week, she reminded the world of her journey and her talent by clinching gold at the 8th Wiesław Maniak Memorial 2025 in Szczecin, Poland, with a season-best throw of 62.59 metres — her longest throw since 2023.
Clinching Gold in Szczecin
Annu Rani clinched gold at the 8th Wiesław Maniak Memorial 2025 in Szczecin, Poland, throwing a season-best 62.59 metres — her longest throw since 2023.
Related Articles
The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Bronze level), saw her lead from the start. She opened with a 60.95m throw and followed it up with her best of the day in the second round. This victory not only restored her confidence but also positioned her as a serious contender ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.
A Rural Childhood Without Resources
Born on August 29, 1992, in Bahadurpur village in Uttar Pradesh, Annu grew up in an environment where sports, especially for girls, were discouraged. With no equipment and limited support, she began her training with sugarcane sticks in the fields after school. She wore oversized jerseys, borrowed shoes, and trained without formal coaching.
One Comment Nearly Ended It All
Her journey nearly ended when a classmate told her father, “Do you know your daughter plays like a boy?” Fearing backlash, her father considered stopping her training. But a schoolteacher stepped in and convinced him to let her continue for a little while longer. That decision proved to be life-changing.
Support That Grew Quietly
Her father, once hesitant, became her quiet supporter. He adjusted her training times so she could avoid the gaze of villagers and cycled beside her during her runs. His support, though discreet, gave her the freedom to grow as an athlete.
Rising Through the Ranks
Annu continued to rise through district and national competitions. In 2022, she set the national record in women’s javelin with a throw of 63.82 metres. Though she faced a dip in performance in 2024, her recent gold in Poland signals a strong return to form.
More Than Just a Medal
Her story is about more than medals. It’s about perseverance in the face of societal pressure, resource scarcity, and gender bias. She turned obstacles into opportunities and proved that determination can break through even the most rigid boundaries.
Eyes on Tokyo
As she prepares for the World Championships in Tokyo, Annu carries not just the hopes of Indian athletics, but the dreams of every young girl who dares to throw, run, or reach beyond what the world expects of her.
