Bhubaneswar: Nandini Agasara, the reigning Asian heptathlon champion, has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo due to an elbow injury sustained earlier this year. The injury occurred during her second attempt in the javelin throw event at the Asian Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in May, where she won the gold medal. Despite qualifying for the World Championships, Nandini continues to experience pain in her left elbow and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Consulting with her coach AN Shaji, Nandini made the difficult decision to skip the prestigious global event to avoid worsening her condition. She emphasized the importance of recovery ahead of crucial upcoming competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the 2028 Olympics.
The 22-year-old athlete showed immense determination by completing the grueling heptathlon with her elbow strapped, but prioritizing long-term fitness is now her main focus. Nandini remains optimistic about her recovery and aims to return stronger for future competitions, underlining her commitment to Indian athletics and her Olympic dreams.
This decision leaves a gap in India’s squad for the World Championships but highlights the athlete’s maturity in managing her health for sustained success. Nandini’s journey is a reminder of the physical toll elite sports can take and the importance of injury management in an athlete’s career.
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