Ankita Dhyani Sets Meet Record at Open National Athletics Championships

Ankita Dhyani of Railways won the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the 65th National Open Athletics Championships on 11 October 2026. She clocked 9 minutes 34.86 seconds, setting a meet record at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The championships ran from 8 to 11 October 2026.

Ankita Dhyani’s Performance

Dhyani improved the previous meet record of 9:39.83, set by Lalita Babar 11 years earlier. Mori Vandana Bharat of Gujarat finished second in 10:00.02, while Railways athlete Komal Jagdale took third in 10:05.34. Dhyani also won the women’s 1,500m title, completing a double victory at the championships.

Meet Records and Athletics Records

A meet record is the best performance recorded at a particular competition; it is distinct from a national record, which is the best performance recognised nationally. Dhyani’s 9:34.86 is the new meet record for the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the National Open Athletics Championships. The previous mark belonged to Babar.

3,000m Steeplechase

The 3,000m steeplechase is a track-and-field distance race featuring fixed barriers and water jumps. A standard race includes 28 barrier jumps and seven water jumps. The barriers remain in place when athletes make contact with them, unlike hurdles used in sprint hurdle races. The event is contested by both men and women at major athletics competitions.

Important Facts for Exams

• The 65th National Open Athletics Championships took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from 8 to 11 October 2026.
• Ankita Dhyani’s winning time was 9:34.86 in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.
• Lalita Babar held the previous meet record of 9:39.83 for 11 years.
• A standard 3,000m steeplechase race has 28 barriers and seven water jumps.

Mori Vandana Bharat placed second and Komal Jagdale placed third in the women’s steeplechase. Dhyani represented Railways and won both the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase titles.