India’s hopes for a new javelin star were dashed at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships as Rohan Yadav and Dipanshu Sharma failed to qualify for the javelin final. The disappointing performance marks a significant setback for India, a nation that has been searching for the next Neeraj Chopra, the two-time Olympic medallist who first rose to fame at the same event in 2016.
Disappointing Throws in Qualification by India
Rohan Yadav and Dipanshu Sharma, India’s two javelin hopefuls, fell short in the qualifying rounds. Rohan Yadav managed a throw of 67.07 metres, earning him the 19th spot, while Dipanshu Sharma’s throw of 66.26 metres placed him 21st.
Both athletes were unable to meet the qualification cut-off of 68.74 metres, leaving India without representation in the men’s javelin final.
Despite these efforts, the duo’s performance was below their personal bests, with Yadav’s best throw being 70.03 metres and Sharma’s being 71.21 metres. The results underscore the challenges faced by the next generation of Indian javelin throwers in matching the high standards set by Neeraj Chopra.
Neeraj Chopra: Legacy yet to be matched
Neeraj Chopra’s meteoric rise began at the 2016 Under-20 World Championships, where he became the first Indian to win a gold medal in javelin. His record-breaking throw of 86.48 metres remains unbeaten in the junior category, setting a benchmark for future athletes. Chopra’s journey from a young talent to a global icon has inspired many, but replicating his success has proven difficult.
Neeraj Chopra, who has expressed his support for the Indian team at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, remains a beacon of hope for Indian athletics. His story, starting from a 13-year-old joining a local sports group to becoming an Olympic champion, continues to motivate young athletes across the country.
India’s strong presence at World U20 Championships
India sent a robust team of 43 athletes to the World Under-20 Athletics Championships, including 23 men and 20 women. The team, which also competed in events like the 4×400 mixed relay, reflects the country’s growing investment in nurturing young talent.
Among the athletes was Dipanshu Sharma, the reigning Asian Under-20 champion in men’s javelin throw. India’s strong presence at the championships followed an impressive performance at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships earlier this year, where they secured seven gold medals.
Road ahead for Indian Javelin Throwers
The failure to qualify for the final at the U20 World Championships is a reminder of the challenges ahead for Indian javelin throwers. While Neeraj Chopra’s legacy continues to inspire, the search for a successor capable of replicating his achievements is still ongoing. The young athletes have the potential, but translating that into success on the world stage will require dedication, support, and perhaps, a bit of the same magic that propelled Chopra to the top.
India’s quest for the next Neeraj Chopra may have hit a roadblock in Lima, but the journey is far from over. The focus now shifts to nurturing these young talents and providing them with the opportunities and resources needed to shine on the global stage.
Editor's Pick
Top Stories
