Ancy Sojan Breaks India’s Long Jump Record While Managing PCOD 

Indian long jumper Ancy Sojan has added another milestone to her growing career after breaking Anju Bobby George’s 22-year-old national record in June. Her record-breaking jump of 6.88 metres came after a difficult period in which she was also dealing with PCOD and changes in her weight and energy levels. 

The 25-year-old athlete said she weighed 63 kg at the beginning of last year, compared with 55 kg now. She also said her body fat percentage fell from 26% to 13% during the same period. 

Ancy had experienced irregular periods since her late teens, but the problem became more difficult in 2025. She said she began gaining weight, eating more, and struggling with low energy, joint pain, and mood changes. Her training was also affected, which made it hard for her to get the progress she was hoping for. 

After talking to a doctor, as her nutritionist suggested, Ancy found out she had a hormone imbalance caused by PCOD. Managing the condition became an important part of her preparation as she continued to compete at the highest level. 

Her diet also changed significantly. She moved away from foods such as biryani, plain rice and Malabar parotta and began eating more vegetables, meat, fish and salads. She also reduced her carbohydrate intake and said she usually sticks to brown rice when she wants rice. 

The changes have come alongside a strong run of performances. At the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event in Bhubaneswar, Ancy recorded a best jump of 6.71 metres and won gold. Five of her legal jumps at the event went beyond 6.50 metres. 

Her national-record performance came at the Inter-State Championships in June. Her series included jumps of 6.73m, 6.67m, 6.72m, 6.88m and 6.69m, with one foul. 

Ancy is now preparing for the Asian Games and has her sights set even higher. She said she began thinking about crossing the seven-metre mark in 2022. After reaching 6.88 metres, the long jumper believes the target is now within reach.