Sahana Kumari

After battling her nerves to clear 1.88m on her third and last attempt, high jumper Sahana Kumari soared over the bar set at 1.92m on her first try to join the Indian squad for the London Olympics on the opening day of the 52nd National Inter-State athletics meet.

The effort not only booked her the London ticket but also got Sahana the national record and meet record. The previous national mark was 1.91m set by Bobby Aloysius set in Chennai in 2002.

After missing the B mark (1.92) at the Asian GP series in May, when she got stuck at 1.89m, Sahana reaped the rewards of her hard work and determination as she cleared the qualification height with some more to spare.

Sahana is the 14th Indian athlete to qualify for the London Olympics.