Purnima Hembram delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch gold in the women’s pentathlon at the inaugural Indian Indoor Open Pole Vault and Combined Events Competition, held at the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium. The event, conducted over May 2 and 3, represents a key step in India’s growing focus on indoor track and field competitions under the Athletics Federation of India.
Hembram accumulated a total of 3,835 points across five disciplines to finish at the top of the standings, showcasing her versatility and experience in combined events. Her performance included strong displays in the 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and the 800m run, highlighting the consistency required to excel in multi-discipline formats.
The gold medal adds another milestone to Hembram’s decorated career. The Odisha-born athlete has previously represented India at the Asian level, winning bronze medals in the heptathlon at the Asian Athletics Championships and securing a gold medal at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. Known for her endurance and technical balance across events, she remains one of India’s most accomplished combined-event athletes. Competing on home turf appeared to give Hembram an added edge, as she maintained composure across all five events to secure a comfortable victory. Her performance also reflects the growing depth in Indian athletics, particularly in disciplines that demand both physical and technical excellence.
Odisha’s success at the meet extended beyond Hembram’s gold medal. Fellow athlete Jashbir Nayak added to the state’s medal tally by securing bronze in the men’s heptathlon on the final day of the competition. His podium finish highlighted the state’s emerging strength in combined events, an area that has traditionally received less attention compared to track or field specializations.
The competition itself marked a significant milestone for Indian athletics. As part of the country’s first structured indoor combined events meet, it aligns with global standards where indoor competitions play a crucial role in athlete development and year-round performance tracking. Indoor events also provide controlled conditions, allowing athletes to focus on technique and consistency.
The meet witnessed several standout performances across disciplines. In pole vault, national records were rewritten in both men’s and women’s categories, signaling a positive trend in field events. Such results underline the importance of infrastructure like the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium, which has quickly become a hub for elite athletics in India.
For Hembram, this victory represents not just another medal but also a reaffirmation of her status as a leading figure in Indian athletics. Having transitioned between heptathlon and pentathlon formats, she continues to adapt her skillset to different competitive environments. Her journey is also deeply inspiring. Hailing from Mayurbhanj district and belonging to the Santhal community, Hembram has risen through the ranks with determination and consistent performance. Her success story reflects the increasing opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds to excel at the national and international levels.
Looking ahead, performances like these could play a crucial role in shaping India’s prospects in upcoming continental and global competitions. With indoor athletics gaining traction in the country, athletes like Hembram are setting the benchmark for future generations.
As the inaugural edition of the Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition concludes, it leaves behind a strong message. Indian athletics is evolving, and with athletes like Purnima Hembram leading the charge, the future of multi-event disciplines looks promising.
