Chennai: Uttar Pradesh’s international javelin thrower Rohit Yadav clinched the gold medal in men’s javelin at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships on Sunday, boosting his chances of qualifying for next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo through the world ranking quota.
The 24-year-old secured the title with a best throw of 83.65m on his third attempt. Fellow Uttar Pradesh thrower Sachin Yadav finished a close second with 83.20m, while Maharashtra’s rising athlete Shivam Lohakare took bronze with 80.20m. Rajasthan’s Yashvir Singh, also in contention for a World Championships berth, placed fourth with 76.22m.
As of the qualification deadline on Sunday, Sachin and Yashvir remain within the top 36 athletes eligible for the men’s javelin event in Tokyo. Rohit’s gold strengthens his case for inclusion, with World Athletics expected to confirm the final list of qualifiers on August 27–28.
Other Highlights
In the men’s long jump, national star Murali Sreeshankar fell short of the direct qualification mark of 8.27m, recording a best of 8.06m. While the effort was enough to secure gold, it did not guarantee him automatic entry to the World Championships.
India’s Javelin Prospects
Two-time Olympic medallist and defending champion Neeraj Chopra has already qualified for Tokyo via a wild card. Should Rohit join Chopra, Sachin, and Yashvir, India could field four male javelin throwers at the global event—a rare achievement.
At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, India had also qualified four javelin throwers, though Rohit withdrew due to injury. Chopra went on to win gold, while Kishore Jena and DP Manu finished fifth and sixth, respectively, marking a historic result for Indian athletics.
“We have a good chance to field four male javelin throwers at the World Championships in Japan,” said Adille Sumariwalla, vice president of World Athletics.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) selection committee is scheduled to meet on August 28, following the official confirmation from World Athletics.