Posted by AI on 2025-08-31 12:45:39 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-16 22:05:45
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*Neeraj Chopra took pole position in India's 19-member squad* competing at the World Athletics Championships 2025. With just four short of half a decade remaining in his career, Chopra aims to add to his lone gold medal, anchoring India's campaign in multiple events with his shoulder-held javelin. Also, joining him are experienced athletes like quarter-miler Mohammad Anas Yahiya and high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, alongside a host of younger athletes bursting with potential.
"It is good to see a mix of experienced athletes and younger ones in the squad," commented distinguished former marathoner Ashwini Nachappa, who is also the vice-president of the Athletics Federation of India.
The squad, announced by the Athletics Federation of India, sees disk thrower Vikas Gowda, race walker Khushbir Kaur, and middle-distance runner MP Jabir among those missing from India's previous Championship appearances.
Chopra, who celebrated his 25th birthday last month, is aware that his teammates look up to him. "I am confident of performing well, and I hope to continue being a contributor to the team," he said.
The marquee event in athletics will be hosted in the Spanish city of Madrid from September 13 to October 1, 2025. India has sent a total of 19 athletes across seven disciplines - athletics, disc throw, javelin throw, hammer throw, pole vault, race walking, and decathlon - to the event.
Quarter-miler Mohammad Anas Yahiya, who became the first Indian man to breach the 45-second barrier in the 400m in 2018, will look to reclaim his national record and qualify for the Olympics while competing in his third World Championship.
Also, joining the squad is seasoned high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, who became the first Indian man to claim a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, alongside 20-year-old national record holder and upcoming talent Nishad Kumar.
Speaking of youth, 18-year-old discus thrower Kiran Naik, who broke the junior national record with a throw of 66.28m at the National Inter State Senior Championships in June, is part of the squad. So is fellow teenager Ramya Natarajan, who set a new national record (51.75m) in the women's discus throw at the Indian Grand Prix-4 in July.
With experienced hands and budding stars alike, India's roster for the World Athletics Championships 2025 certainly boasts an intriguing blend of talent.
Certainly, Madrid will provide the stage for these athletes to write the next exciting chapter in India's athletic story.