Baranica Elangovan wins Asian Games pole vault bronze after overcoming taunts

Baranica Elangovan clinched the bronze medal in the pole vault at the Asian Games, a result reported on September 26, 2026.

Elangovan underwent ACL surgery in 2019 and shifted her focus from long jump to pole vault, and the report says she overcame injuries and taunts — encapsulated by the headline quote "No one will marry her" — to achieve what was described as a historic milestone for India.

She expressed gratitude to her parents and coach and said she hopes to inspire the next generation of Indian pole vaulters.