The World Athletics Championship 2025 is all set to begin in Tokyo, Japan, and this year’s spotlight shines brightly on India’s 19-member squad. Leading the charge is none other than Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, the man who created history at the same venue four years ago with his Olympic gold in javelin throw.
The nine-day mega event kicks off on September 13, 2025, and runs through September 21, featuring track and field’s finest athletes from around the globe. For Indian fans, the event is extra special because Tokyo has already given them one unforgettable golden moment — and now they are hoping for many more.
India’s 19-Member Squad
Unlike the 28-member team in Budapest 2023, this year’s squad is smaller in size but larger in potential. India has sent 19 athletes, with no relay teams included this time. The spotlight remains on the javelin throw, where India is making history by fielding five throwers — four men and one woman.
Star Athletes:
- Neeraj Chopra (Men’s Javelin Throw): Defending champion, season-best 90.23m in Doha, Diamond League winner.
- Sachin Yadav (Javelin): Gold at National Games, silver at Asian Championships.
- Yashvir Singh (Javelin): Season-best 82.57m.
- Rohit Yadav (Javelin): National Inter-State champion, Asian medalist.
- Annu Rani (Women’s Javelin): Asian Games champion, consistently near her personal best.
- Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump): Returning strong after knee surgery.
- Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump): Equalled national record 17.37m.
- Abdulla Aboobacker (Triple Jump): Consistent 17m+ jumper.
- Sarvesh Kushare (High Jump): Inter-State champion with 2.24m.
- Gulveer Singh (5000m/10,000m): National record holder in both events.
- Animesh Kujur (200m): National record holder, India’s fastest man.
- Tejas Shirse (110m Hurdles): National record breaker, resilient athlete.
- Parul Chaudhary & Ankita Dhyani (Steeplechase): Among Asia’s best.
- Priyanka Goswami, Ram Baboo, Sandeep Kumar (Race Walk): Continental medalists.
- Pooja (800m/1500m): Double-gold winner at Asian Championships, rising star.
World Athletics 2025 Schedule for India (All Times in IST)
Here is the complete World Athletics 2025 schedule for Indian athletes:
- Day 1 (Sept 13):
- Men’s 35km Race Walk – Ram Baboo, Sandeep Kumar
- Women’s 35km Race Walk – Priyanka Goswami
- Women’s 1500m Heats – Pooja
- Day 2 (Sept 14):
- Men’s High Jump Qualification – Sarvesh Kushare
- Women’s 1500m Semi-final (if qualified) – Pooja
- Men’s 10,000m Final – Gulveer Singh
- Day 3 (Sept 15):
- Women’s 3000m Steeplechase – Parul Chaudhary, Ankita Dhyani
- Men’s Long Jump Qualification – Murali Sreeshankar
- Men’s 110m Hurdles – Tejas Shirse
- Day 4 (Sept 16): Potential finals in High Jump, Hurdles, Women’s 1500m
- Day 5 (Sept 17):
- Men’s Triple Jump Qualification – Chithravel, Aboobacker
- Men’s Javelin Qualification – Chopra, Sachin, Yashvir, Rohit
- Men’s 200m Heats – Animesh Kujur
- Day 6 (Sept 18):
- Men’s Javelin Final (if qualified)
- Women’s 800m Heats – Pooja
- Men’s 200m Semi-final – Animesh Kujur
- Day 7 (Sept 19):
- Women’s Javelin Qualification – Annu Rani
- Men’s 5000m Heats – Gulveer Singh
- Men’s Triple Jump Final
- Day 8 (Sept 20):
- Men’s 20km Race Walk Final – Servin Sebastian
- Women’s Javelin Final – Annu Rani
- Day 9 (Sept 21):
- Women’s 800m Final – Pooja
- Men’s 5000m Final – Gulveer Singh
Neeraj Chopra: The Key Focus
The world will once again turn its gaze toward Neeraj Chopra, whose incredible performances have lifted Indian athletics onto the global stage. With season-best throws and Diamond League victories under his belt, Chopra is India’s top medal prospect. His face-off against Julian Weber (Germany) and Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) promises to be the most thrilling battle of the championship.
Rising Stars to Watch
- Animesh Kujur: India’s first male sprinter at Worlds in 200m, holding both 100m and 200m national records.
- Tejas Shirse: An inspiring hurdler who bounced back from injuries to secure his place.
- Pooja: A middle-distance runner with remarkable consistency in 800m and 1500m.
Women Athletes’ Contributions
India’s women athletes have been making headlines too:
- Parul Chaudhary: National record holder in steeplechase.
- Ankita Dhyani: Breakthrough year with international medals.
- Annu Rani: Veteran javelin thrower, a medal contender.
- Priyanka Goswami: National record holder in race walk.
Why the World Athletics 2025 Schedule is Crucial
This championship is not just about medals but also about momentum. The World Athletics 2025 schedule acts as a stepping stone towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, giving India’s athletes the global exposure they need. For the first time, India enters a world championship not as outsiders but as genuine contenders across multiple events.
Also read: World Athletics Championship 2025: Neeraj Chopra Leads India’s Strongest-Ever Squad in Tokyo
Conclusion
The World Athletics 2025 schedule in Tokyo promises nine days of world-class competition, with India sending its strongest squad yet. Led by Neeraj Chopra, the team combines experienced champions and young stars ready to shine.
Whether it’s Chopra defending his world title, Annu Rani making her mark, or India’s new sprinters breaking barriers, the stage is set for unforgettable performances. As fans tune in across the globe, one thing is clear — India is ready to create history at the World Athletics Championship 2025.
