India’s Olympic champion and star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to spearhead the country’s challenge at the World Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Tokyo next month. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officially confirmed his participation and leadership role, as the national contingent looks to make a mark on the global stage.
Neeraj, who has been India’s most consistent track-and-field performer over the past few years, will enter the tournament as one of the favourites. The 27-year-old already boasts of an impressive résumé, having won gold at the Tokyo Olympics (2021), silver at the World Championships (2022), and the prestigious Diamond League Trophy. He also became the first Indian athlete to defend his Asian Games javelin gold in 2023, cementing his status as a world-class competitor.
Chopra’s season so far has been strong, with consistent throws crossing the 87m mark, including a season-best of 89.15m, making him one of the top-ranked athletes heading into the Championships. His biggest rivals will include Anderson Peters of Grenada, the 2022 World Champion, and Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, both of whom have regularly crossed the 90m barrier. The battle between these three giants of javelin is expected to be one of the highlights of the event.
The Indian team for the Championships will feature a mix of experienced names and young athletes. Alongside Neeraj, Kishore Jena, who impressed at the Asian Games with a silver medal, will also compete in the men’s javelin throw. In track events, sprinter Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles) and quarter-miler Muhammed Anas Yahiya will look to make their mark, while Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase) adds strength to the distance running squad.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Neeraj expressed his excitement and focus. “The World Championships is always a big test for any athlete. I am feeling good about my preparations and looking forward to giving my best for India. My aim is not just to win medals but also to inspire the younger generation to believe in athletics,” he said.
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla also highlighted Neeraj’s leadership qualities, stating that his presence in the squad motivates the entire team. “Neeraj has been a symbol of discipline, hard work, and excellence. His achievements have lifted Indian athletics to new heights, and having him lead the team at the World Championships will inspire all our athletes to perform better,” Sumariwalla remarked.
For Indian athletics, the World Championships remain a crucial platform to showcase progress on the international stage. With Neeraj Chopra at the helm, the expectations are higher than ever, as the nation hopes to see another historic moment unfold in Tokyo.
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