Two to tango: Annu Rani overhauls her javelin game with changes to angle of throw and run-up
The veteran javelin thrower hasn't crossed the 60m mark since May 2025 last year. After winning the Asian Games gold with a 62.92m throw, she recorded just one throw of 60.68m last year in Hylo, Germany.
'I was struggling and it was worrisome. After Asian Games, there was challenge for me to cross the 60m mark. I used to think how I am unable to breach it despite crossing 62m so many times,' says Annu Rani, who just reached Bhubaneswar, Odisha for the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level event.
'But while training in Europe, I realized that it is part and parcel of an athlete's life. I have been training for so long, so the experience helps in navigating through such tough times,' Annu tells The Indian Express.
While training in Europe alongside former Javelin World Champion Johannes Vetter, Annu drew inspiration from his hustle. Vetter, who has a personal best of 97.76m, saw a sharp dip in his form after 2021 but he kept on playing the sport.
'I have learned has so much from Vetter. Training alongside him has been a great learning experience for me. After throwing 97m, he couldn't do much. He dipped to 56m but kept on throwing. He still approaches Javelin with so much passion and aggression,' says Annu. 'When we are working hard and we don't get results, we have to maintain that. And we have to keep practicing. That is the biggest thing,' she adds further.
Annu has been training under former Russian thrower and former Olympic medallist Sergey Makarov. Apart from constantly practicing with the same mindset, Annu has also worked with Sergey on her technique with subtle changes.
'It is good working with Sergey. He constantly monitors my practice and tells me what I need to do better,' says Annu.
It is tough to make technical changes after throwing in a certain way for many years but Annu has made two small changes which were pointed out by Sergey during the training.
'I have made two changes- change of angle of my throw and how I run while going for the throw,' Annu says. 'I have been throwing javelin from very high angle all these years and coach has now asked me to control my angle so that I achieve better elevation. And during the run up, I am working on my stride length to make the run up to throw very smooth,' Annu explains the changes.
At the age of 32, Annu also had to make adjustments with the way she trains. 'Age does make a difference. We have to change our routine as we grow older. When I was younger, I could eat anything and train however I want but now, I follow a tight diet schedule and a tailor-made routine,' Annu explains. 'Overtraining at this age can lead to injury and rehabilitation is not easy thing to do with injuries.'
At the World Athletics Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar, Annu has good chance to qualify for the Worlds as she is placed at 30th rank in the Road to Tokyo.
'I have two good chances to solidify my position as I will play here at the World tour event and then Inter-State. Since I have got my rhythm back, I want to achieve the World Championships qualification,' she concludes.
Pritish Raj works with sports team at The Indian Express' and is based out of New Delhi. ... Read More
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