Legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George did not sound ecstatic even after her student exhibited a magnificent show, jumping 6.76 meters at the Indian Grand Prix 4 Athletics meet in Bangalore on Saturday. Shaili’s spectacular show stole the thunder from Assam sprinter Amlan Borgohain who achieved 100 and 200 meters double titles in the men's section.

The 19-year-old Shaili improved her personal best by 28cm and catapulted over Aishwarya Babu (6.73m), JJ Shobha and V Neena (6.66), Mayookha Johnu (6.64), M Prajusha, Nayana James and Ancy Sojan (6.55) to be behind Anju Bobby George (6.83m) in the all-time list. Shaili has already earned qualification for the Asian Games this year with the jump, while looking at the World Championship qualification mark this year, Shaili is short of only 9 cm. 

Shaili's coaches and mentors Anju Bobby George and her husband Robert Bobby George are extremely happy. Anju talking to Parallel Sports said, "We were expecting such a performance and it happened. The season has just begun. So, we are optimistic that as the season advances with more competitions underway Shaili will also earn the qualification mark for the World Championship this year."

Anju believes Shaili has reached the stage of the long jump where she is surely a medal contender in any major international competition like the Asian Games, World Championship, and even the Olympics. Anju added, "Shaili is still learning. Still, she has learned the techniques of the long jump. So, she has now the potential to bring medals from any major international competitions."

When asked to compare Shaili with Anju Bobby George as the jumper, the 46-year-old medal-winner in the 2003 World Championship explained, "Shaili has the advantage that she started at 14 and got a coach like Robert along with the scientific and modern training method. On the contrary, I started at 20 and I had several obstacles which I had to overcome before reaching the international level. So, I am expecting Shaili will shine more."

In a bid to provide more competitive tournaments Anju and Robert are planning to organize an international exposure trip for Shaili within a couple of months. The exposure tour may take place in Europe. Shaili will take part in the junior athletics championship in her next competition.