India’s Night Of Glory Awaits: Meet The 19 Stars Headed To Tokyo For World Athletics Championships 2025

The Athletics Federation of India has officially announced a 19-member Indian squad that will represent the nation at the prestigious World Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. Led by reigning world javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, this diverse group of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers marks a significant chapter in Indian athletics as it aims for global excellence.

Key Highlights Of India’s Contingent

The squad comprises 13 men and 6 women, reflecting a balanced mix of experience and youth.

Neeraj Chopra returns as the star athlete after successfully defending his world title at Budapest in 2023, entering on a wild card as the reigning champion.

A historic inclusion is sprinter Animesh Kujur, who will be the first Indian male sprinter to compete at the World Championships in the 200m event.

Other javelin throwers Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh qualified via world rankings, joining Chopra to strengthen India's medal hopes in the discipline.

Four athletes secured direct qualification via entry standards: Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase), Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase), Gulveer Singh (5000m), and Praveen Chitravel (triple jump).

Mixed Fortunes With Injuries

Avinash Sable, who qualified through entry standards, has been ruled out due to an injury setback. Similarly, Nandini Agasara, Asian heptathlon champion, will miss the event following an elbow injury, which is a significant blow to the team’s medal prospects.

Rising Performers And Key Athletes

Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar returned from a year-long injury layoff and qualified through world rankings after a remarkable 8.06m jump in the Inter-State Championships.

Annu Rani, a formidable javelin thrower, recently achieved her best throw in over two years (62.59m) during a meet in Poland, securing her spot.

Women’s field athletes Ankita Dhyani (3000m steeplechase), Pooja (1500m), and Priyanka Goswami (35km race walk) also qualified based on rankings.

Race walking remains a strong suit for India with athletes Akshdeep Singh, Servin Sebastian (both 20km), and Ram Baboo (35km) securing berths.

Men’s Contingent Includes

1. Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw)
2. Sachin Yadav (javelin throw)
3. Yashvir Singh (javelin throw)
4. Praveen Chitravel (triple jump)
5. Abdulla Aboobacker (triple jump)
6. Murali Sreeshankar (long jump)
7. Sarvesh Kushare (high jump)
8. Animesh Kujur (200m)
9. Gulveer Singh (5000m)
10. Servin Sebastian (20km race walk)
11. Akashdeep Singh (20km race walk)
12. Ram Baboo (35km race walk)

Women’s Contingent Includes

1. Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase)
2. Ankita Dhyani (3000m steeplechase)
3. Pooja (1500m)
4. Annu Rani (javelin throw)
5. Priyanka Goswami (35km race walk)

Significance Of The Championship For India

This edition of the World Athletics Championships holds great promise for India’s athletes, showcasing their growing prowess on an international platform. The presence of a historic first-time sprinter, alongside seasoned champions, signals India’s evolution from a nation traditionally strong in field events to one making strides across varied track disciplines.

The Federation’s Selection Committee will finalize the official participants soon, especially to adjust for injury-related changes, ensuring the strongest possible team for Tokyo.

Outlook And Expectations

Neeraj Chopra remains the country’s prime gold medal contender, aiming to reclaim global dominance.

Rising stars like Animesh Kujur bring fresh dynamism and hope for breakthroughs in sprints.

Continued depth in race walking events adds weight to India’s medal tally aspirations.

A combination of experience and youth positions the team for potential historic achievements.

Conclusion

India’s 19-athlete contingent for the World Athletics Championships 2025 is a testament to both the endurance of veterans and emergence of promising talents ready to take on the world stage. As Tokyo gears up to host the event, Indian athletics fans await thrilling performances and hope for historic medals that will further elevate India’s status in global track and field circles.

Sources: India Today, Athletics Federation of India, Times of India, Indian Express