Young Indian athlete Lokesh Sathyanathan has achieved a major milestone by winning the gold medal in the men’s long jump at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships held in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Representing Tarleton State University, the Bengaluru-born athlete produced a remarkable jump of 8.21 metres, setting a new Indian indoor national record and securing the top spot on the podium.

Record-breaking leap

Lokesh delivered the winning jump during the fourth attempt in the final, surpassing strong competition from leading collegiate athletes.

He finished ahead of De’Aundre Ward of the University of Southern Mississippi, who recorded 8.20m to take silver, and Tafadzwa Chikomba of Kansas State University, who secured bronze with 8.15m.

With this performance, Lokesh now ranks third on the all-time list of Indian long jumpers, behind Jeswin Aldrin (8.42m) and Murali Sreeshankar (8.41m).

A rising star in Indian athletics

The victory makes Lokesh only the fourth Indian athlete to win the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships, joining the elite list that includes Mohinder Singh Gill, Vikas Gowda, and Tejaswin Shankar.

Lokesh had earlier finished fifth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, highlighting his steady rise in international athletics.

His winning jump also marked a personal best improvement from his previous record of 8.02m, signalling strong potential for even greater achievements ahead.

A victory dedicated to family

Speaking after the event, Lokesh expressed gratitude to his family and coach for supporting his journey.

“I’m grateful to God because nothing is possible without Him, and of course my family back home in Bengaluru and my coach, who is my family here,” he said.

The win held deep emotional significance for the young athlete, who dedicated the achievement to his mother, who passed away in 2021 during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lokesh recalled that his mother encouraged him to pursue his dreams despite the difficult circumstances.

“When I go home, I’m not just going back with my personal best but with a national title. My mom would be proud,” he said.

With strong performances on the global stage and growing confidence, Lokesh believes bigger achievements lie ahead in his athletics career.


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