Tanya Chaudhary Sets New Women's Hammer Throw National Record of 68.35 Metres

Why is Tanya Chaudhary in News?

Indian athlete Tanya Chaudhary created a new national record in the women's hammer throw by recording a throw of 68.35 metres at the Indian Athletics Series Final in New Delhi on 10 September 2026. The 22-year-old athlete from Uttar Pradesh won the event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Her performance surpassed the previous Indian record of 67.02 metres held by Anushka Yadav. Anushka also competed in the same event and finished second with a best throw of 66.34 metres.

New National Record

Tanya's 68.35-metre performance represented an improvement of 1.33 metres over the earlier national record of 67.02 metres. In throwing events, an improvement of more than one metre at elite level can be highly significant because progress becomes increasingly difficult as athletes approach international standards.

The achievement strengthens India's prospects in women's hammer throw ahead of major international competitions and provides an important benchmark for future Indian athletes.

Who is Tanya Chaudhary?

Tanya Chaudhary is an Indian hammer throw athlete from Uttar Pradesh. At 22 years of age, she has emerged as one of India's leading athletes in the event. Her national-record performance at the Indian Athletics Series Final placed her at the top of the Indian all-time rankings in women's hammer throw.

She has also faced physical setbacks during her sporting career, including injuries. Returning to elite competition and subsequently setting a national record highlights the importance of rehabilitation, strength development, technique and long-term training in throwing disciplines.

What is Hammer Throw?

Hammer throw is a track and field throwing event in athletics. Despite its name, the athlete does not throw an ordinary hammer. The competition implement consists of a metal ball connected to a grip by a steel wire.

The athlete stands within a circular throwing area, performs several controlled rotations to generate speed and then releases the hammer into a marked landing sector. The objective is to achieve the greatest valid distance.

Weight of the Women's Hammer

In senior women's competition, the standard hammer weighs 4 kilograms. In senior men's competition, the implement weighs 7.26 kilograms.

The technical specifications of athletics equipment are governed internationally by World Athletics. These specifications help ensure comparable competition conditions across countries and major sporting events.

How is Distance Measured?

A valid throw must land within the designated throwing sector and the athlete must comply with technical rules while remaining within the throwing circle until the implement has landed.

The distance is measured from the inner edge of the throwing circle to the nearest point where the hammer lands. Fouls occur if the athlete violates specified technical rules, including stepping outside the circle improperly during the attempt.

Importance of Technique

Hammer throw requires a combination of strength, balance, speed and precise technique. Athletes normally complete several turns inside the circle while gradually increasing the speed of the hammer before release.

Simply possessing great physical strength is insufficient. Small errors in footwork, body position, timing or release angle can significantly reduce throwing distance.

Indian Athletics Series Final

The Indian Athletics Series Final is part of India's domestic competitive athletics calendar. National competitions allow athletes to obtain high-quality competition exposure, measure themselves against leading domestic rivals and improve performances under recognised conditions.

Tanya's record was achieved at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, one of India's well-known sporting venues. The stadium has hosted major athletics and multi-sport events.

Previous Record Holder: Anushka Yadav

Before Tanya's performance, the Indian women's hammer throw national record belonged to Anushka Yadav, who had thrown 67.02 metres at the Inter-State National Championships in June 2026.

At the September event, Anushka recorded 66.34 metres and finished second. Competition between multiple athletes performing at a high level is positive for Indian athletics because domestic rivalry can push national standards upward.

World Athletics

World Athletics is the international governing body for the sport of athletics. It establishes competition rules, maintains global records, organises major international championships and regulates areas such as equipment specifications and athlete eligibility.

The organisation was formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations, or IAAF.

India and International Athletics

India's athletics performance has gained greater international attention in recent years across throwing, jumping and track disciplines. Stronger domestic competition, sports science, better coaching and improved infrastructure can help athletes transition from national-level success to Asian and global competition.

For Tanya Chaudhary, the national record is an important milestone, but success at continental and global level will depend on maintaining consistency and continuing to improve against international standards.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

• Tanya Chaudhary set the Indian women's hammer throw national record at 68.35 metres.
• The record was set on 10 September 2026 in New Delhi.
• She represents Uttar Pradesh.
• The previous record was 67.02 metres, held by Anushka Yadav.
• Anushka Yadav finished second with 66.34 metres.
• A senior women's hammer weighs 4 kilograms.
• A senior men's hammer weighs 7.26 kilograms.
• World Athletics is the international governing body for athletics.
• World Athletics was formerly known as IAAF.