Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu :
Setting the Stage: India’s Biggest Athletics Showdown
The 64th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Chennai isn’t just another meet—it’s the final battleground for Indian track and field athletes to stake their claim for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. With the qualification window closing on August 24, nerves, excitement, and weather have all conspired to make this edition one to remember.
1. Storms Threaten World Dreams
Heavy rain and slippery tracks turned sprint events and jumps into high-risk challenges, especially for those on the cusp of World Championships qualification.
Wet conditions slowed down top contenders like men’s 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse, who snagged gold but missed the Tokyo entry standard, his Worlds hopes dampened literally and figuratively.
2. Triple Jump: Playing Safe & Shooting for Tokyo
The men’s triple jump final saw seasoned stars Abdulla Aboobacker (Commonwealth Games silver medallist) and Praveen Chithravel (national record holder) tip-toe to podium finishes with cautious, safe jumps.
Chithravel already sealed his World ticket with a 17.37m jump earlier in the season, while Aboobacker (currently 30th in world rankings with top 36 qualifying) is hoping his ranking holds up for Tokyo.
3. Sprinters & Jumpers Chase Last Points
All eyes on 200m sprinter Animesh Kujur, now ranked 42nd with 48 spots on offer. A fast finish in Chennai could lock his maiden Worlds appearance.
Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, bouncing back from injury, is close to the direct qualifying mark, making his every leap in Chennai a race against time.
4. India’s Javelin Power: Chopra Leads, Rani Strikes
Olympic legend Neeraj Chopra headlines the javelin field, joined by Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh (both inside the qualifying cut-off).
On the women’s side, Asian Games champion Annu Rani is peaking at the perfect time; a big throw in Chennai could seal her Tokyo spot.
Why This Meet Is Crucial
Final Opportunity: August 24, 2025 is the absolute deadline for Indian athletes to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo (September 13-21).
Double Stakes: Besides medals and individual glory, ranking points earned here can shift the global standings for athletes not directly qualified.
High Drama: From unpredictable Chennai rain to last-ditch attempts for long-awaited international berths, this year’s National Inter-State Championships embodies all the thrill—and agony—of top-tier athletics.
Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is not just hosting athletic contests—it’s witnessing stories of grit, heartbreak, and hope as athletes charge through storms, chase elusive marks, and battle time for a ticket to the grand stage in Tokyo.
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