Mon Oct 27 09:06:33 UTC 2025: Summary:
This article highlights the inspiring journey of 19-year-old Mubassina Mohammed, a long jumper from the remote Lakshadweep islands. Despite lacking proper training facilities and facing financial challenges, Mubassina has become Lakshadweep’s first international track-and-field athlete. She’s won medals at Asian and National championships and is now training under renowned coach Robert Bobby George in Bangalore. The article emphasizes the difficult conditions in Lakshadweep, the sacrifices made by Mubassina and her family, and the potential she has to become a top long jumper for India.
News Article:
Lakshadweep’s Mubassina Mohammed Leaps Over Obstacles to Become International Track Star
RANCHI, October 27, 2025 – From the remote Lakshadweep islands, where mud tracks serve as the only training grounds, a young athlete is defying the odds and making waves in the world of long jump. Mubassina Mohammed, a 19-year-old daughter of a coconut plucker, has become the first international athlete from the Union Territory and is rapidly gaining recognition as one of India’s top long jumpers.
Mubassina’s journey has been one of perseverance. The Lakshadweep islands lack even basic athletic infrastructure, with no proper stadium or synthetic track. “If it rains, we can’t run on the mud track and do the long jump,” Mubassina told PTI.
Despite these challenges, Mubassina has achieved remarkable success. She secured silver medals in both long jump and heptathlon at the 2022 Asian Under-18 Championships in Kuwait. Recently, she won gold at the National U-23 Championships with an impressive jump of 6.36m.
Her talent has caught the attention of Robert Bobby George, a leading horizontal jump coach, who is now mentoring her at his academy in Bengaluru. “From such a small island, somebody is coming to the international stage. So I’m happy that I’ve been instrumental in supporting her,” said George.
Mubassina’s dedication is matched by the sacrifices of her family. Her father, a coconut plucker, and her mother, who runs a tea stall, have supported her dreams despite their limited resources. They even moved the entire family to Kavaratti for two years to allow her to train with her childhood coach.
Mubassina Mohammed’s story is a testament to the power of talent and determination, proving that even without ideal conditions, dreams can take flight. She represents a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in Lakshadweep and a rising star in Indian athletics.
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