India, May 22 -- Indian long jumper Shaili Singh couldn't contain her happiness after shattering the national long jump record this April at the 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championships in Kochi. The 21-year-old soared to a remarkable 6.64 meters, beating a record that had stood for over two decades.

"After breaking the record, I was really happy. I was told (about breaking thee record), just a few hours before, so that was in my mind," Shaili said, recalling the moment that changed her career. Her coach, and former record-holder Anju Bobby George, was quick to praise her. "Anju ma'am came to me, congratulated me of course but said I could do even better," she said.

Shaili admitted she wasn't always sure long jump was her...