New Delhi
India is set to send its largest-ever javelin throw contingent to the World Athletics Championships, with Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra leading the line-up. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Saturday announced a 19-member squad comprising 14 men and five women for the event scheduled to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21.
India fields four javelin throwers
For the first time, four Indian athletes will compete in the men’s javelin throw event. Alongside Chopra, the squad includes Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav. While Sachin and Yashvir made the cut through world rankings, Rohit earned his place following the withdrawal of a Spanish athlete, which opened an invitation spot.
Chopra, who has been India’s biggest medal hope in recent years, is expected to arrive in Tokyo on September 5. The rest of the javelin contingent will join later, with training sessions scheduled from September 10 ahead of the main event.
Strong 19-member squad
Apart from javelin, several other track and field disciplines will see Indian representation. Among the men, Gulveer Singh qualified in the 5000 metres and also received an invitation for the 10,000 metres. Animesh Kujur (200m), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), Praveen Chithravel and Abdulla Aboobacker (triple jump), Sreeshankar Murali (long jump), Sarvesh Anil Kushare (high jump), and race walkers Ram Baboo, Sandeep Kumar and Servin Sebastian have also made the cut.
In the women’s squad, Parul Chaudhary will compete in steeplechase, while Ankita Dhyani is listed for the 3000m steeplechase. Annu Rani, India’s leading female javelin thrower, will be seen in action again, alongside race walker Priyanka (35 km) and Pooja, who qualified for the 1500m and received an invitation for the 800m as well.
Injuries force key absences
Despite a strong line-up, injuries have ruled out some major names. Steeplechase runner Avinash Sable, who suffered a fall during the Monaco Diamond League, has been sidelined. Nandini Agarsara, another promising athlete, has also pulled out due to an elbow injury.
The AFI confirmed that all athletes will take part in a pre-competition training camp in Tokyo from September 4 to 9. Chopra, who has already been training intensively abroad, is expected to lead the preparations once he joins the camp.
Conclusion
With Chopra spearheading the charge and a historic four javelin throwers in the squad, India will look to make a strong mark at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships. The expanded representation across track, field and race walking events reflects the country’s growing depth in athletics, although the absence of Sable remains a setback.