Anju Bobby George Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Records & Achievements

Introduction

Anju Bobby George is India’s most celebrated long jumper and the first Indian athlete ever to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. She etched her name in history by winning bronze at the 2003 Paris World Championships. Known for her consistency, determination, and pioneering role in Indian athletics, Anju has inspired generations of athletes to dream big beyond cricket.

Personal Information

Full Name & Birth Details

• Full Name: Anju Bobby George
• Date of Birth: 19 April 1977
• Birthplace: Changanassery, Kerala, India

Nationality & Zodiac Sign

• Nationality: Indian
• Zodiac Sign: Aries

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 66 kg
• Build: Strong & Athletic

Her tall frame, agility, and technique made her one of the finest long jumpers India has ever produced.

Early Life & Family Background

Childhood & Parents

Anju was born into a supportive family. Her father, K.T. Markose, encouraged her athletic pursuits, while her mother, Gracy, nurtured her ambitions.

Early Passion for Athletics

She showed interest in sports from an early age, participating in school-level competitions, particularly in long jump and heptathlon.

Education Journey

Anju studied at CKMNSS Senior Secondary School, Koruthode, and later graduated from Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta. Alongside academics, she balanced athletics training.

Introduction to Athletics

Early Training & Coaches

Anju began her formal training under T.P. Ouseph, who refined her technique. Later, her husband Robert Bobby George, a former triple jumper, became her coach and played a key role in her success.

First Steps into Professional Competitions

She started making a mark in state and national championships during the late 1990s, soon becoming India’s top long jumper.

Rise in Professional Athletics

By the early 2000s, Anju had established herself as India’s premier track and field star, consistently winning medals at Asian and Commonwealth levels.

National Career Highlights

• Multiple-time National Long Jump Champion.
• Set several national records during her career.

International Career Highlights

World Championships 2003

• Created history by winning bronze medal at Paris World Championships with a jump of 6.70m.
• Became the first Indian to win a World Athletics Championships medal.

Asian Games & Commonwealth Games

• Won gold medal at 2002 Busan Asian Games.
• Secured medals at Commonwealth Games and other Asian Championships.

Olympic Journey

• Represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, finishing 5th in the women’s long jump final, India’s best-ever Olympic performance in athletics at the time.

Records & Milestones

• First Indian to win a medal at World Athletics Championships (2003 bronze).
• Gold medalist at Asian Games 2002.
• Personal best jump: 6.83m (National Record).
• Consistently ranked among the world’s top long jumpers during her career.

Awards & Honors

• Arjuna Award (2002).
• Padma Shri (2004).
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2003).
• Multiple awards from the Athletics Federation of India and Kerala government.

Beyond Athletics

• Served as senior vice-president of the Athletics Federation of India.
• Actively works to promote athletics at the grassroots level.
• Runs initiatives to support young athletes in Kerala and across India.

Personal Life

Anju is married to Robert Bobby George, who also coached her throughout her professional career. The couple has two children.

Legacy & Inspiration

Anju Bobby George will always be remembered as a pioneer of Indian athletics. Her World Championship medal gave Indian athletes the belief that they could succeed at the global level. She continues to inspire young Indian athletes, particularly women, to chase excellence in track and field.

FAQs about Anju Bobby George

Q1: When was Anju Bobby George born?
A: 19 April 1977, in Kerala, India.

Q2: Why is Anju Bobby George famous?
A: For being the first Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships (2003 bronze).

Q3: What is Anju Bobby George’s personal best in long jump?
A: 6.83m, which is also India’s national record.

Q4: Did Anju Bobby George participate in the Olympics?
A: Yes, she competed in multiple Olympics, finishing 5th at Athens 2004.

Q5: Who is Anju Bobby George’s coach?
A: Her husband, Robert Bobby George, was her coach.

Q6: What awards has Anju Bobby George received?
A: Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award.