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World Athletics Championship 2025: Let’s Analyze India’s Performance so Far in Detail

Team India have competing in the ongoing World Athletics Championships 2025, where 19 Indian Athletes have been competing against each other where 14 male players and 5 women players are taking part.

Here in this article, we will talk about Indian athletes who will be taking part and the best contender, who will be expected to lift medals for India to be shared in the below format.

On the first day, India’s Long Walk performance have not been up to the mark, where they faltered big time when it comes to one of the biggest day for them would be Javelin where the likes of Neeraj Chopra will be in action along with Jasvir Singh, Sachin Yadav and Rohit Yadav.

On 18th September 2025, another Indo-Pak rivalry is all set to take place where Arshad Nadeem will be in action along with Neeraj Chopra.

The discussion would be around Arshad Nadeem- Who haven’t played till Paris 2024 Olympics where he won Gold medal where he threw Javelin at a distance of more than 92 meter.

Since then he hasn’t played more tournaments, in terms of picking and chosing Neeraj Chopra have been top notch.

Neeraj Chopra have already relinquished, his long dreams of breaching 90 meter distance mark, and he would be keenly looking to breach 92 meter plus mark also he has been defending champion, It would be interesting to see whether he would successfully defend it or not.

Also don’t forget his coach Zan Jelensky, have already won this title back to back on record both occasions.

Considering so far, India’s Performance in High Skating have been great- Anandkumar Velkumar clinches Gold medal in 1000th meter Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025 where he became first ever champion to win this event.

Also likes of Murali Sreeshankar and Annu Rani could be possible conteders to win medals for India.

India at World Athletics Championships 2025

Category Details
Total Athletes 19 Indian Athletes
Male Athletes 14
Female Athletes 5
First Day Performance India faltered in Long Walk event
Key Javelin Athletes Neeraj Chopra, Jasvir Singh, Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav
Big Rivalry (18th Sept 2025) Indo-Pak clash: Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem
Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) Won Gold at Paris 2024 Olympics with a 92m+ throw; limited tournaments since then
Neeraj Chopra (India) Defending Champion; aiming to breach 92m+ mark; previously chasing 90m dream
Coach of Neeraj Zan Jelensky – has won back-to-back titles as coach
Other Medal Contenders (India) Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump), Annu Rani (Javelin)
Other Highlight Anandkumar Velkumar – clinched Gold in 1000m Sprint at Speed Skating World Championships 2025; first-ever Indian champion in the event

More Details about Indian Athletes

 

Neeraj Chopra (India)

Category Details
Event Javelin Throw
Current Status Defending Champion
Dream Goal Breach 90m distance (past goal)
Target 2025 Cross 92m+ mark
Big Rivalry Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) on 18th Sept 2025
Coach Zan Jelensky – record of back-to-back titles

Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan)

Category Details
Event Javelin Throw
Major Achievement Gold Medal – Paris 2024 Olympics
Best Throw 92m+ (Paris 2024)
Participation Since Olympics Limited tournaments, selective approach
Upcoming Rivalry Against Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championships 2025

Anandkumar Velkumar (India)

Category Details
Event Speed Skating – 1000m Sprint
Achievement Gold Medal at Speed Skating World Championships 2025
Historic Record First-ever Indian champion in this event
Significance Boost to India’s performance outside track & field athletics

Murali Sreeshankar (India)

Category Details
Event Long Jump
Status Medal Contender for India
Focus Strong performances expected at World Athletics Championships 2025

Annu Rani (India)

Category Details
Event Javelin Throw
Status Medal Contender for India
Potential Among top women athletes representing India

 

 

India’s Medal Contender Snapshot – World Athletics Championships 2025

Athlete Event Status / Medal Chance
Neeraj Chopra Javelin Throw Defending Champion, aiming for 92m+ throw
Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan – Rival) Javelin Throw Olympic Gold Medalist (Paris 2024), 92m+ throw
Murali Sreeshankar Long Jump Strong medal contender for India
Annu Rani Javelin Throw Top Indian female athlete, potential podium finish
Anandkumar Velkumar Speed Skating – 1000m Sprint Already won Gold at Speed Skating Worlds 2025

 

Important Questions(FAQ):

FAQs on India at the World Athletics Championships 2025
Q1. How is Team India performing at the World Athletics Championships 2025 and who are the key athletes to watch?

Team India has sent a strong 19-member contingent to the World Athletics Championships 2025, comprising 14 men and 5 women. This participation itself highlights the country’s growing ambition in world athletics. However, the opening day was slightly underwhelming as India’s performance in the Long Walk event did not meet expectations. Despite the early setback, Indian fans are optimistic about the upcoming contests, especially in javelin throw, which has become the nation’s flagship discipline.

Neeraj Chopra remains the biggest name in the Indian lineup. The defending champion has not only carried the nation’s hopes but also raised global standards with his consistency. Alongside him, Jasvir Singh, Sachin Yadav, and Rohit Yadav will also feature in the javelin event, making it one of the most keenly followed competitions of the tournament.

Another key storyline is the upcoming India-Pakistan rivalry on 18th September 2025, where Neeraj Chopra will face off against Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. This clash is more than just a sporting contest; it’s a meeting of two athletes who have both pushed the boundaries of javelin throwing. Arshad, who won the Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a throw of more than 92 meters, has been relatively selective in choosing his competitions since then. Neeraj, on the other hand, has sharpened his form and looks determined to break past the 92-meter mark himself. This head-to-head is expected to be one of the highlights of the Championships.

Beyond javelin, other Indian athletes are also being seen as medal hopefuls. Murali Sreeshankar in long jump continues to be one of the country’s most consistent performers, while Annu Rani in women’s javelin has proven her resilience and ability to challenge on the world stage.

A surprise boost to India’s sporting narrative came from outside traditional track and field events—Anandkumar Velkumar clinched a historic Gold in the 1000m Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025, becoming the first Indian to ever achieve this milestone. His success has lifted the morale of the entire contingent and broadened the scope of India’s medal hunt beyond athletics.

Q2. What makes Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem one of the biggest rivalries to follow in world athletics today?

The Neeraj Chopra–Arshad Nadeem rivalry has emerged as one of the most thrilling storylines in global athletics. Their journeys have run parallel yet distinct, making every encounter between them highly anticipated.

Q3. Beyond javelin, who are India’s other medal contenders at the Championships and how significant is Anandkumar Velkumar’s achievement?

While javelin remains the centerpiece of India’s medal hopes, the country is not solely dependent on Neeraj Chopra. Two other names—Murali Sreeshankar and Annu Rani—stand out as realistic medal contenders.

Murali Sreeshankar has built a reputation as India’s premier long jumper. With his steady progression over the years and ability to deliver on big stages, he is well-positioned to make an impact at the Championships. His consistent jumps and technical improvements suggest that a podium finish is not beyond reach.

On the women’s side, Annu Rani is one of the strongest prospects. She has carried the torch for Indian women in javelin, often competing against some of the world’s best and holding her own. If she can find her rhythm in Budapest, India could very well see another medal in the javelin event.

However, the most inspirational story so far has come from outside the track. Anandkumar Velkumar’s Gold Medal in the 1000m Sprint at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025 has been a game-changer. By becoming the first Indian ever to win in this category, he has opened new doors for the nation in an event not traditionally associated with Indian sport. His achievement has been celebrated widely, showing that India’s sporting growth is not confined to one discipline but is spreading across newer arenas.

Velkumar’s success is significant for two reasons: it provides inspiration for young athletes looking to break into non-mainstream sports, and it signals to the world that India is evolving as a multi-discipline sporting nation. Together with the athletics squad, this achievement adds depth to India’s overall campaign in 2025.

India have so far won only 1 medal which is Gold one in World Athletic Championships, and he would be keenly looking to make an impact when it is needed the most.

Get ready to catch them all in action on Star Sports Channel and the same would be streamed on Jiohotstar app.

You can also catch all updates live on our official social media platform.

I am Ankit Chaubey currently pursuing Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication along with that I have done a TV Broadcasting Course from Sporjo and holds Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from RK Films and Media Academy New Delhi. I have played carrom at City level. Love watching Cricket, Chess, Esports and Indian Football. Working in Sportzcraazy from last 3.5 years.