World U20 Athletics C’ships: India’s Shaili Singh tops qualification to reach long jump final

Indian long jumper Shaili Singh lived up to expectations as she made it to the finals after topping the qualification round with an effort of 6.40m at the World U20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi on Friday.

The 17-year-old Shaili, considered one of the brightest upcoming stars in Indian athletics, achieved her best of the day in her third and final jump after starting off with a 6.34m in Group B. Her second jump recorded a distance of 5.98m.

#Athletics Shaili Singh after qualifying to FINAL in Long Jump event. She topped the both qualification groups. Her series is 6.34m, 5.98, 6.40m.
Happy Shaili, Happy Indians !!!@afiindia @anjubobbygeorg1 pic.twitter.com/20IhnsMCCa

— Nitin Arya (@nitinarya99) August 20, 2021

Well done #shailisingh for auto qualification to finals with that 6.40m effort ✌🏻 at #WorldAthleticsU20

Keep it up champion, stay fit & safe for your best in the finals 💪🏻 on Sunday, 6.55pm India Time. pic.twitter.com/ba1qzigBlu

— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) August 20, 2021

Shaili is considered a medal prospect but the final, which will be held on Sunday, is expected to pose a tough challenge with some of the world’s best having made the cut.

Sweden’s 18-year-old Maja Askag, who had won the European U20 title last month, qualified as second best overall after winning Group A with a best jump of 6.39m. Lissandra…

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