Rohit claims javelin gold, improves Worlds qualification chances

It’s a no-brainer that Neeraj Chopra has inspired a generation of javelin throwers in India.

Though the National inter-State athletics meet at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday had no javelin throwers making the cut through entry standards for the next month’s World championships, Rohit Yadav, by claiming the gold with a personal best of 83.65m, has enhanced his chances of making the grade through World ranking points.

If Rohit makes the cut, India, in all probability, will have at the Worlds apart from Neeraj, Sachin Yadav (World ranking 22) and Yashvir Singh (30). In the last Worlds in Budapest (2023), four qualified, but only three could go as Rohit got injured.

Sachin Yadav finished second with a throw of 83.20m in his fifth and penultimate attempt. However, Yashvir Singh ended up a disappointing fourth (76.22m).

All credit should go to Neeraj, the defending World champion for inspiring youngsters. “If he (Neeraj) can do it, we, too can… That way, Neeraj has been an inspiration,” added Rohit.

Sreeshankar won the men’s long jump.
| Photo Credit:
R. RAGU

There were expectations that Murali Sreeshankar would qualify in men’s long jump. Needing 8.27m to make the grade for the Worlds, the 26-year-old produced an 8.06m, which won him the gold, but unlikely he will make it to Tokyo through World rankings.

“I think I’ll just miss out by probably one or two spots. Whatever has happened, I’ll just embrace it. I’m happy. Because last year, this day, I wasn’t even sure that I’ll be jumping again,” Sreeshankar, who returned to competition in July after 15 months of surgery and recuperation, said.

The results: Men: Javelin: Rohit Yadav (UP) 83.65m; long jump: Murali Sreeshankar (Ker) 8.06m; Steeplechase: Balkishan (Har) 8:51.17s; 4x400m relay: TN (T. Santhosh, T. Yokesh, Rajesh Ramesh, Vishal T. K.) 3:07.53s.

Women’s: 10000m: Ravina Gayakwad (Mah) 35:09.57s; High jump: K. Gobika (TN) 1.80m; 3000m Steeplechase: Ankita Dhiyani (Uttr) 9:44.83; Heptathlon: Anamika K. A. (Ker) 5466; 4x400m relay: Karnataka (D. Gowda, Disha Alioe, Priya Mohan, Poovamma Raju) 3:38.29s.

Best athlete: Men: Vishal; Women: Ankita. Team Championships: Men: TN (101); 2. UP (58), Women: 1. TN (90); 2. Haryana (63).

Overall championships: 1. TN (195); 2. Haryana (121).