Uttar Pradesh’s javelin thrower Rohit Yadav bagged the men’s javelin title at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships on Sunday, boosting his chances of qualifying for next month’s World Championships in Tokyo through the world ranking quota.
Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, however, missed the automatic qualification standard despite winning gold in his event.
Rohit’s big throw keeps him in the race
On the final day of the meet, the 24-year-old Rohit delivered his best attempt of 83.65m on the third try to secure top spot. His state-mate Sachin Yadav pushed him close with an 83.20m effort, while Maharashtra’s Shivam Lohakare finished third at 80.20m.
Rajasthan’s Yashvir Singh, also chasing a Worlds berth, settled for fourth with 76.22m. As per current standings, both Sachin and Yashvir remain inside the world ranking cut of 36 throwers eligible for Tokyo.
Chance for four Indians in Tokyo javelin
Defending champion and two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has already secured his place via wild card. If Rohit makes the quota list, India could once again field four throwers, as it did at the 2023 Budapest Worlds where Chopra won gold and three Indians finished inside the top six.
World Athletics will confirm the final list of qualified athletes by August 27–28, followed by the Athletics Federation of India’s team selection meeting on August 28.
Sreeshankar wins but misses target
In the jumping pit, Murali Sreeshankar managed a best leap of 8.06m, enough for gold but below the direct entry mark of 8.27m. His hopes now rest on world ranking confirmation later this week.
Other highlights
Tamil Nadu’s Vishal TK, who broke the national 400m record, was adjudged the best male athlete, while Uttarakhand’s Ankita (3000m steeplechase) won the women’s award.
Hosts Tamil Nadu emerged as overall team champions, with Haryana finishing runners-up. Tamil Nadu also topped both men’s and women’s team standings.
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