Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu : The 64th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2025 wrapped up with intense competition and memorable moments at Chennai’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from August 20 to 24. Showcasing India’s finest track and field talents, the championships were not only a fierce battle for national pride but also the crucial final qualifiers for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.
One of the standout moments was Vishal TK’s national record-breaking performance in the men’s 400 meters, clocking an impressive 45.12 seconds and eclipsing the previous record set in 2019. Vishal, just 23 years old, secured the gold medal amidst fierce competition, signaling his emergence as a key athlete on the international stage. The men’s 400m event also saw Paris 2024 Olympian Rajesh Ramesh and Vikrant Panchal taking silver and bronze respectively.
The championships featured battles across multiple thrilling events, from sprints like the men’s 100m—won by S. Tamilarasu with a 10.22-second finish—to technical events such as Baranica Elangovan’s pole vault that matched the meet record with a 4.10-meter jump.
While many athletes delivered personal bests and podium finishes, the competition underscored the tough qualifying standards for the Tokyo World Championships, with no Indian athlete breaching the entry marks by the events’ close. The championships remain a key platform for athletes aiming to challenge themselves and earn spots on the global stage.
Notable event highlights:
Men’s 100m: S. Tamilarasu secured gold with a 10.22s finish.
Women’s pole vault: Baranica Elangovan matched the meet record with 4.10m.
Multiple field events like triple jump, long jump, and hammer throw thrilled fans.
The event served as a crucial stepping stone for athletes targeting Tokyo25 qualification.
The championships cemented Chennai as a hub for Indian athletics, igniting enthusiasm for the sport ahead of the World Athletics Championships this September in Tokyo. The mix of high stakes, rising stars, and classic athletic prowess created a showcase of mixed fortunes and undeniable promise for the future of Indian track and field.
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