Busan: Anju George began India's medal hunt in the blue riband athletics competition on a golden note by winning the women's long jump at the 14th Asian Games on Monday.

The 25-year-old star from Kerala managed a jump of only 6.53 metres, far below her personal best of 6.74 metres registered in New Delhi last month, but that was enough to fetch her the gold medal.

Anju apparently was not too happy with her effort since she was clearing about 6.8 metres in practice sessions but she was not complaining.

"It is my first international gold so I will go back to India happy," she said.

Anju, however, improved on her performance in the Manchester Commonwealth Games where she won the bronze medal with a jump of 6.49 metres.

"To win a medal in Athens Olympics is now the dream," said Anju who had aimed at crossing the 7.00-metres mark here.

Anju, who fouled three of her six jumps, said the runway at the Busan Asian main stadium was poor.

Japan's Maho Hanaoka (6.47 metres) and Kazakhztan's Yelena Kochsheyeva (6.30 metres) won the silver and the bronze medals respectively.

Anju will now turn her focus on to the triple jump, which will take place on Sunday.

PTI