Neeraj Leads the Charge: India Aims for Gold at World Athletics 2025

India is set to make a significant impact on the global athletics stage as reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra spearheads a strong 19-member contingent at the World Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan. This marks another opportunity for India to showcase its growing prowess in track and field events and builds anticipation around some of the nation’s brightest athletic talents.

 

Key Highlights of India’s Athletics Team for Tokyo 2025

 

Neeraj Chopra qualifies as the defending men’s javelin throw champion through a wildcard entry, underscoring his elite status in the sport.

 

India’s team comprises 13 men and six women, boasting a mix of experienced athletes and groundbreaking newcomers.

 

Historic inclusion of sprinter Animesh Kujur, the first Indian male sprinter to qualify for World Athletics Championships, competing in the 200m event.

 

Other javelin throwers Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh join Neeraj Chopra via world rankings, highlighting India’s depth in men’s javelin.

 

Direct qualifiers by entry standards include Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase, though ruled out due to injury), Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase), Gulveer Singh (5000m), and Praveen Chitravel (triple jump).

 

Murali Sreeshankar, the long jumper returning from injury, secured his spot through rankings, emphasizing his comeback potential.

 

Women’s javelin thrower Annu Rani also earned a berth through consistent seasonal performances surpassing the 60m mark.

 

The contingent features athletes across disciplines including steeplechase, triple jump, race walking, long jump, high jump, and heptathlon.

 

Neeraj Chopra: The Torchbearer and Defending Champion

 

Neeraj Chopra continues to command attention as Asia’s premier javelin thrower and World Athletics champion. His 2025 season was marked by breaking the 90-meter barrier, and he enters the Tokyo championship ranked world No. 1. Known for his composure and technique, Neeraj carries the hopes of an entire nation, aiming to defend his title against formidable global competitors.

 

Animesh Kujur’s Remarkable Achievement

 

Animesh Kujur’s qualification is historic, marking the first time an Indian male sprinter has reached this global level in sprinting events—specifically the men’s 200m. The national record-holder’s ascent heralds a promising future for Indian sprinting, expanding the country’s competitive horizon beyond traditional strengths.

 

Strength in Diversity: India’s Multifaceted Contingent

 

Beyond javelin and sprints, India’s team features a wide range of talent:

 

Murali Sreeshankar’s return from injury has been impressive, having won every competition he contested post-recovery.

 

Praveen Chitravel and Abdulla Aboobacker add strength to the triple jump category.

 

Race walkers such as Servin Sebastian and Priyanka Goswami represent endurance events.

 

Parul Chaudhary and Ankita Dhyani fuel India’s presence in women’s steeplechase.

 

High jumper Sarvesh Kushare and heptathlete Nandini Agasara (though ruled out due to injury) reflect India’s growth in field and multi-event disciplines.

 

Challenges and Setbacks

 

While the team is robust, setbacks include injury to Avinash Sable, one of India’s top steeplechasers, ruling him out of participation. Heptathlete Nandini Agasara is also sidelined with an elbow injury, adjusting the final team composition. These absences underline the ongoing challenge of athlete fitness and injury management in elite competition.

 

Looking Forward: India’s Ambitions on the World Stage

 

India’s 19-member team will compete on a global platform amid seasoned athletes and emerging stars in Tokyo’s renowned sports venues. With Neeraj Chopra leading the charge and rising talents crossing new frontiers, this World Athletics Championship represents a milestone in India’s athletics history. The blend of experience and fresh faces enhances India’s prospects for podium finishes and valuable international exposure.

 

Conclusion

 

Neeraj Chopra and India’s contingent exemplify the nation’s steady rise as a competitive force in world athletics, spanning throwing, jumping, running, and endurance disciplines. The Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships present an exciting chapter where India aims not only to defend and win medals but also to inspire the next generation of athletes on the global stage.

 

Sources: The Tribune, Olympics.com, NDTV Sports, Indian Express