Annu Rani, a 31-year-old hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, made history by securing India’s inaugural gold medal in women’s javelin throw at the 2023 Asian Games. Beyond her target on the field, Annu aimed to empower the girls in her village, advocating for the freedom to wear T-shirts and track pants. Fueled by this motivation, she launched a ‘golden’ throw of 62.92 m in Hangzhou.
‘Golden Girl’ Annu Rani returns to her village
Upon her return to her hometown, Rani was celebrated and honored by the Uttar Pradesh government, and shared the remarkable story of her journey to becoming the ‘golden girl’.
Annu Rani – 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 of India's First Female Gold-Winning Javelin Thrower 🥇🇮🇳#UPWarriorzUttarDega #CapriSports #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/sbXnKuTepG
— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) October 3, 2023
Annu Rani’s struggles for girls’ right
Rani found the reception by the people of Bahadurpur, a remote village in Meerut where she was raised, to be surreal. She expressed, ‘This was the second best moment of my life. I am sure my efforts will help change people’s perception towards girls in my village and will give them the freedom to wear T-shirts and track pants, which so far has been a dream for the girls of Bahadurpur.’ Rani’s father, Amarpal, is a farmer, adding to the significance of her inspiring journey.
Rani vividly recalls the day her curiosity led her to pick up a javelin in school, only to face her father’s disapproval. Undeterred, she practiced in secret for a year. The pivotal moment came when her coach and mentor, Swami Vivekanand, convinced her parents to let her pursue javelin. Overcoming financial obstacles, borrowing gear, and waking up at 3 a.m. for grueling practice, Rani’s dedication transformed her father into her biggest supporter.
Amarpal, once skeptical, now advocates for girls’ empowerment. Rani’s message to her village emphasizes supporting dreams and transcending societal norms. From borrowing equipment to clinching gold at the Asian Games 2023, Rani’s journey exemplifies resilience and triumph.
Story of Parul Chaudhary
Parul Chaudhary, another trailblazing athlete from Meerut, secured India’s first gold in the 5,000 meters at the Asian Games. Her dedication, driven by the dream of joining UP Police, brought her success in the games and accolades from her hometown.
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