New Delhi, India – In the heart of a bustling metropolis, a modest community center has become the epicenter of a high jumping revolution that is transforming the sport’s landscape in India. The Adarsh High Jumping Academy, founded by former national champion Vandana Sharma, is empowering a new generation of athletes to reach unprecedented heights.
“When I started this academy five years ago, my goal was to make high jumping accessible to children from all backgrounds,” said Sharma, whose own illustrious career paved the way for her passion project. “I wanted to create a space where talent could be nurtured and dreams could be realized, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.”
And that’s precisely what the academy has achieved. Tucked away in a working-class neighborhood, the Adarsh High Jumping Academy has become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, offering them world-class training facilities, dedicated coaching, and unwavering support.
One of the academy’s standout success stories is 12-year-old Priya Gupta, who hails from a family of modest means. “When I first came here, I had never even seen a high jump pit, let alone tried the sport,” Gupta recalled. “But Vandana ma’am and the coaches believed in me, and they helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to excel.”
Gupta’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as she has already secured several state-level titles and is now setting her sights on the national championships. “Priya’s progress is a testament to the transformative power of this academy,” Sharma said. “We are not just training athletes; we are empowering young people to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.”
The Adarsh High Jumping Academy’s impact extends far beyond the confines of its walls. By collaborating with local schools and community organizations, Sharma and her team have been able to identify and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds, creating a ripple effect that is being felt across the country.
“What Vandana and her team are doing here is truly remarkable,” said Kiran Rijiju, India’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. “They are not only producing world-class high jumpers but also changing the very fabric of the sport in India. This is the kind of grassroots-level transformation that we need to see more of if we want to become a global powerhouse in athletics.”
As the Adarsh High Jumping Academy continues to grow and inspire, the future of high jumping in India has never looked brighter. With role models like Priya Gupta leading the way, the nation’s young athletes are poised to soar to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
