From a schoolground in Chennai to the national stage of collegiate athletics in the United States, Krishna Jayasankar’s journey is not only remarkable—it is transformative. At just 22, she has become the first Indian woman to qualify for the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in discus throw, a feat that places her among the very few Indians ever to reach this elite platform.
A Start Rooted in Change
Krishna’s athletic career didn’t begin in a stadium, but on a tennis court. As a teenager, she tried several sports before finding her rhythm in the throwing events. It wasn’t until the age of 17 that she took up shot put and discus seriously. Her first major moment came in 2017 when she won gold in shot put and bronze in discus at the CBSE Nationals—early signs of the promise that would later flourish.
Coming from a sports-inclined family—both parents being former national-level basketball players—Krishna had a support system that recognized the long road ahead. Still, it was her determination and internal drive that would carry her forward, especially when opportunities for throwers in India were limited.
Breaking Through the American College System
Krishna’s transition to the NCAA circuit began with a scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), making her the first female Indian thrower to receive such an opportunity at a Division I school. After a year, she transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where her growth as a discus thrower accelerated.
Under the guidance of coach Jordan Roach, she refined her technique and built consistency, eventually surpassing a 26-year-old UNLV record with a throw of 55.61 meters at the NCAA West Regionals. This throw placed her among the top eight in the region and secured her a berth at the NCAA finals in Eugene, Oregon—a historic achievement for an Indian athlete.
Mental Fortitude Behind the Metrics
What statistics don’t show is the emotional and mental journey behind Krishna’s rise. Her adolescent years were marked by body shaming and self-doubt. There were moments when she nearly gave up the sport entirely. A pivotal conversation with her mother, who reminded her of the discipline and detachment sport demands, helped her refocus. Since then, Krishna has approached each training session and competition with quiet resolve, rebuilding both her body and her confidence.
This mental resilience came to the forefront in 2023 when a calf injury sidelined her. Most athletes would struggle to bounce back. Krishna returned stronger—her regional-winning throw was not only a personal best but a message of comeback.
Beyond Eugene
Krishna’s NCAA journey is not the end—it’s a stepping stone. With one more year of eligibility and academics left at UNLV, she is also looking toward international competition. Qualifying standards for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games are well within her grasp if her current trajectory continues. She hopes to wear the Indian jersey soon—not just to compete, but to challenge the norms of what Indian women can achieve in throwing events.
Legacy in Motion
Krishna Jayasankar represents more than a name on a results sheet. She symbolizes a shift in Indian athletics—where women are no longer limited by stereotypes, where throwers can dream of international glory, and where sportswomen from cities like Chennai can rise to the global stage through grit, resilience, and belief.
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