From World Medals to Admin: Anju Bobby George Talks Khelo India and National Games

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Legendary Anju Bobby George holds her own place in the history of Indian athletics when she became the first Indian to win a World Athletics Championships Bronze Medal in 2003.

To understand the magnitude of her success, it took another Indian track and field great Neeraj Chopra to win India's second medal at the event almost two decades later when he won the silver medal at Oregon 2022.

She also remains the only Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Final (gold in 2005 Monte Carlo) while her personal best of 6.83m at the Athens Olympics 2004 remains the national record to this day while none have registered a jump over 6.80m since then.

Now embracing her life in an administrative role as vice president of the Athletics Federation of India, Anju Bobby George spared a few minutes to speak with myKhel during the recently concluded National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru. Excerpts from the interview below.

Q: How has the Khelo India initiative impacted the development of Indian athletics?

Anju Bobby George: "Khelo India was a brainchild of our Prime Minister, and the grassroots support it offers is immense. Before Khelo India, state and district-level support for athletes was not enough to develop their full potential. Now, with Khelo India, we have a structured and organized system that provides young athletes with critical resources, infrastructure, and opportunities."

Q: How does the Khelo India initiative support the development of athletes in the long term?

Anju Bobby George: "Athletes are going through a structured form now—from grassroots to the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) and from there to the national camp and TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). I’m extremely happy with how Khelo India is supporting our youngsters."

Q: What is the significance of the National Games for Indian athletes?

Anju Bobby George: "National Games are a big competition, the only one where all the events come together. It’s a kind of celebration where all states come to perform better, show their talents, and aim to be on top."

Q: How would you describe the level of competition at the National Games?

Anju Bobby George: "It’s like a war, just like how the Olympics happens. National Games is a semi-Olympics for India."

Q: How do you feel about Karnataka’s role in supporting major sports events?

Anju Bobby George: "I’m extremely happy that big competitions are happening in and around Karnataka. Kanteerava Stadium, for example, is a historic place for athletics, and the infrastructure here has been evolving."