The countdown has officially begun for the World Athletics Championship 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, and all eyes are on India’s 19-member squad, led by Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra. The prestigious nine-day event kicks off on Saturday, September 13, and runs until Sunday, September 21, bringing together the world’s finest athletes.
For Indian athletics, this year’s championship carries special emotion. Tokyo’s iconic stadium is the same venue where Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics four years ago. Now, as the defending world champion and national icon, Chopra returns with a squad brimming with promise, records, and new milestones.
India’s 19-Member Contingent: A Lean but Potent Squad
India has sent a 19-member squad to Tokyo, significantly smaller than the 28-athlete team in Budapest 2023. The difference this time: there is no relay team, which slightly reduces the overall number, but the squad is richer in quality, especially in the javelin throw discipline.
For the first time in history, India is fielding five javelin throwers, four in men’s events and one in women’s, underlining the nation’s dominance in this event.
Leading the charge is Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion and one of the most consistent performers in world athletics. His major rivals include Julian Weber of Germany, who holds the world lead this season, and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, the reigning Olympic champion. The rivalry among these three throwers is one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 edition.
Alongside Chopra, rising talents like Animesh Kujur (200m), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), and Annu Rani (women’s javelin) will be eyeing history.
Key Highlights of India’s Squad
- Neeraj Chopra (Men’s Javelin Throw): Defending World Champion, season-best 90.23m in Doha Diamond League. Winner at Paris Diamond League and the Neeraj Chopra Classic.
- Sachin Yadav (Men’s Javelin Throw): National Games gold medalist; 85.16m silver at Asian Championships.
- Yashvir Singh (Men’s Javelin Throw): Season-best 82.57m at Asian Championships.
- Rohit Yadav (Men’s Javelin Throw): Gold at National Inter-State Championships (83.65m).
- Annu Rani (Women’s Javelin Throw): Asian Games champion, one of the most consistent female throwers from India.
- Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump): Back from knee surgery with a season-best 8.13m.
- Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump): Equalled national record of 17.37m.
- Abdulla Aboobacker (Triple Jump): Personal best of 17.19m.
- Sarvesh Kushare (High Jump): Strong contender with 2.24m this season.
- Parul Chaudhary & Ankita Dhyani (3000m Steeplechase): India’s best in women’s distance events.
- Gulveer Singh (5000m & 10,000m): Record-breaking performances on the track.
- Animesh Kujur (200m): India’s fastest man, new national records.
- Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles): National record holder, strong in hurdles.
- Priyanka Goswami, Ram Baboo & Sandeep Kumar (Race Walking): Among Asia’s finest.
- Pooja (800m/1500m): Double-gold at the Asian Championships, breakthrough star.
Full Schedule of Indian Athletes (All Times in IST)
The World Athletics Championship 2025 schedule for Indian athletes is packed across nine days. Here’s a breakdown of events:
- Day 1 (Sept 13): 35km Race Walks – Ram Baboo, Sandeep Kumar, Priyanka Goswami; Women’s 1500m heats – Pooja.
- Day 2 (Sept 14): Men’s High Jump (Sarvesh Kushare), Men’s 10,000m (Gulveer Singh).
- Day 3 (Sept 15): Women’s 3000m Steeplechase (Parul Chaudhary, Ankita Dhyani), Men’s Long Jump (Sreeshankar), Men’s 110m Hurdles (Tejas Shirse).
- Day 4 (Sept 16): Potential finals for High Jump, Hurdles, and Women’s 1500m.
- Day 5 (Sept 17): Men’s Triple Jump (Chithravel, Aboobacker), Men’s Javelin Qualification (Chopra, Sachin, Yashvir, Rohit), Men’s 200m (Animesh).
- Day 6 (Sept 18): Men’s Javelin Final, Women’s 800m (Pooja), Men’s 200m semi-finals.
- Day 7 (Sept 19): Women’s Javelin Qualification (Annu Rani), Men’s 5000m (Gulveer Singh), Men’s Triple Jump Final.
- Day 8 (Sept 20): Men’s 20km Race Walk (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 Face of Indian Athletics
When it comes to the World Athletics Championship 2025, Neeraj Chopra remains the undisputed superstar. His consistency is unmatched, with multiple international wins and throws regularly beyond 85m. His season-best 90.23m in Doha has already established him among the top three globally this year.
The Tokyo stadium is special for him, as it was here in 2021 that he scripted golden history. Now, with Julian Weber and Arshad Nadeem as key competitors, the javelin final is expected to be one of the most watched events of the championship.
Emerging Stars to Watch
Apart from Chopra, several Indian athletes are writing new chapters:
- Animesh Kujur: India’s first male sprinter to qualify for Worlds in 200m. He holds national records in both 100m and 200m, showing the rise of Indian sprinting.
- Tejas Shirse: A story of grit, having overcome injuries to dominate hurdles. His recent timings make him a semifinal contender at least.
- Pooja: The middle-distance runner has transformed into a medal contender with consistent performances in the 800m and 1500m.
Women Athletes Shining Bright
India’s women athletes are equally promising. Parul Chaudhary, with a new national record in the steeplechase, and Ankita Dhyani, fresh from an international medal, bring strength to distance running. Annu Rani, the experienced javelin thrower, will once again lead the women’s field events. Priyanka Goswami, in race walking, continues to set benchmarks.
Expert Expectations
Athletics experts believe this is India’s strongest-ever squad at a World Championships. While the javelin throw remains the most realistic medal hope, India could spring surprises in long jump, triple jump, and middle-distance races. Gulveer Singh’s meteoric rise in 10,000m and 5000m also adds to the optimism.
Why Tokyo 2025 Matters
The World Athletics Championship 2025 is not just another event; it sets the tone ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Strong performances here could shift India’s global standing in athletics. With new talent emerging, India is no longer seen as a one-athlete nation but as a multi-event contender.
Also read: Team India announced for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav to lead, Shubman Gill named vice-captain
Conclusion
The World Athletics Championship 2025 in Tokyo marks a turning point for Indian athletics. Led by Neeraj Chopra, the 19-member squad blends experience with fresh energy. From record-breaking sprinters to gritty jumpers and distance runners, India is stepping onto the global stage with confidence and ambition.
As the competition unfolds over nine action-packed days, fans across India will cheer every throw, every jump, and every stride. Whether it’s Chopra defending his crown, Annu Rani breaking barriers, or Animesh Kujur blazing down the track, one thing is certain — India is ready to make history again at the World Athletics Championship 2025.
