The spotlight fell on India’s young javelin stars at the Indian Open Throws Competition, where rising thrower Shivam Lohakare produced a winning performance to clinch the men’s javelin gold at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
The 20-year-old Army athlete secured the title with a massive 81.08m throw on his very first attempt, a distance that none of his rivals could surpass during the competition. Interestingly, Lohakare did not record a valid mark in his remaining five attempts, but his opening effort proved enough to dominate the field.
Representing the Services Sports Control Board, Anand Singh finished second with a best throw of 76.94m, earning the silver medal.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s experienced javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena — an Asian Games silver medallist — secured the bronze medal with a throw of 74.75m. The podium finish marked an encouraging return for Jena, who had taken a break from competition last season due to a nagging ankle injury.
Speaking after the event, Jena remained optimistic about the season ahead.
“I’m working to regain my lost form. This season is important for me and I hope to stay healthy to qualify for the Asian Games,” he said.
The competition also saw strong performances in other throwing events. Kirpal Singh of ONGC won the men’s discus throw gold with 58.89m, while Dharamraj Yadav (55.75m) and Mohammed Saqlain (55.47m) completed the podium.
In the youth category, Haryana’s Nishchay impressed in the U18 discus throw, producing a best effort of 63.90m, narrowly missing the national record of 64.09m set in 2010.
Lohakare’s 80m-plus throw once again highlighted the emergence of a strong new generation of Indian javelin throwers, strengthening the country’s growing reputation in the discipline.
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