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The Grand Slam Jerusalem, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver-level (Category B) event, attracted top athletes from across the globe. The tournament was pivotal for Indian participant Ankita Dhyani to showcase her skills in the 2,000m steeplechase as she transitioned to the steeplechase discipline only late last year. Her recent performances at the FISU World University Games last month and at the Uttarakhand National Games earlier this year are a testament of her brilliance in steeplechase. Ankita arrived in Jerusalem on the heels of a fifth-place finish in the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, Republic of Korea, and a gold medal in the same event at the Mangrum Invitational in March.
Olympian Ankita Dhyani has etched her name into the annals of Indian athletics history by breaking the women’s 2000m steeplechase national record while securing the gold medal at the Grand Slam Jerusalem Athletics Meet in Israel on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The 23-year-old clocked 6 minutes 13.92 seconds, surpassing the previous national record of 6:14.38, held by Asian Games gold medallist Parul Chaudhary. Israel’s Adva Cohen finished second with a personal best of 6:15.20, while Denmark’s Juliane Hvid took the bronze medal with a timing of 6:17.80.
Ankita Dhyani’s victory boost her chances to qualify for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
Ankita Dhyani’s performance earned her approximately 1,192 ranking points. This victory has reportedly bolstered her prospects for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled to take place from September 13 to 21, 2025. According to a report, it is stated by Indian athletics head coach Radhakrishnan Nair that Dhyani’s 2000m steeplechase performance will count toward her world ranking for the 3000m steeplechase, an existing rule that enhances her chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Championships through the world ranking quota. With this win, projections suggest Dhyani could climb to the 35th spot in the Road to Tokyo Rankings, with the top 36 athletes securing qualification.
With her athletic prowess, Ankita has reportedly established herself as one of the most promising middle-distance runners. It is reflected in her performances like bronze medallist in the 5000m at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, a silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the FISU World University Games, and gold medal in both the 5000m and 3000m steeplechase events at the Uttarakhand National Games. The victory in Jerusalem and the ranking points accrued from this race are crucial, as they enhance her eligibility for the 3000m steeplechase in Tokyo, where she reportedly aims to make her mark on the global stage.
