Rising Stars, Record Breakers & Asian Dreams: Highlights from the 28th Federation Cup 2025
The 28th Federation Cup in Kochi provided a thrilling showcase of India’s brightest athletic talents, with national records, personal bests, and Asian Athletics Championship (AAC) qualifications dominating the headlines.
From the poles to the hurdles, from sprints to jumps, the country’s track and field contingent displayed both promise and power. Here’s a deep dive into the top performances and emerging narratives from the nation’s premier domestic athletics event.
Dev Meena: India’s Vaulting Wonder
At just 19, Dev Meena is redefining Indian pole vaulting. The youngster shattered his own national record with a brilliant 5.35m clearance, continuing his dream run this season.
Meena, who trains under the DSYW Madhya Pradesh setup, had earlier broken the NR with a 5.32m jump in his season opener. This latest feat, achieved on his first attempt, was even more remarkable given the inclement weather that forced him to halt further jumps due to a slippery pole grip.
Though he missed the Asian Championships qualifying standard of 5.51m, Meena’s consistency and rapid improvement suggest it’s only a matter of time before he crosses that barrier.
His combination of youth, flair, and fierce ambition marks him as a future superstar in Indian athletics.
Sarvesh Anil Kushare: High Jumping into Contention
Sarvesh Kushare, a Paris Olympian and one of India’s most reliable high jumpers, delivered under pressure. He clinched gold with a leap of 2.26m, breaching the AAC qualification mark of 2.23m and tying his 2023 Asian Championships silver medal performance.
Kushare, whose personal best stands at 2.27m, now sets his sights on the World Championships standard of 2.33m.
While that remains a steep challenge, his current form places him among the top three high jumpers in Asia this year, making him a solid medal prospect at the upcoming continental meet.
David P Stuns in the Long Jump
One of the surprise stars of the Federation Cup was David P, who leaped to a season-best 7.94m, defeating the more seasoned Jeswin Aldrin (7.83m) and Muhammed Anees Yahiya (7.70m). For David, this marks the second time he’s approached the elusive 8m mark, having recorded the same distance in 2023.
At just 23, he’s emerging as a serious threat in Indian long jump, particularly as Aldrin continues to struggle to replicate his 8.42m national record form. While none of the jumpers crossed the AAC mark of 8.07m, David’s trajectory suggests he could soon lead India’s charge in this discipline.
Quarter-Mile Queens and Kings: Rupal & Vishal Shine
Rupal Chaudhary, the World U-20 medalist, claimed gold in the women’s 400m with 52.55s, also comfortably meeting the AAC qualification mark of 53.80s. She executed a perfect race strategy, chasing down Vithya Ramraj (52.81s) in the final 20 meters to win the title. Sneha K rounded out the podium with 53.00s.
On the men’s side, Vishal TK lit up the track with a personal best of 46.19s, edging out U-20 sensation Jay Kumar (46.33s). While Vishal fell short of the AAC benchmark of 45.36s, his PB run signals growing maturity. Notably, Amoj Jacob, India’s relay mainstay, did not finish due to a reported niggle.
Jyothi Yarraji: Hurdling Despite the Odds
India’s hurdle queen Jyothi Yarraji defended her dominance in the women’s 100m hurdles with a 13.23s finish, securing both gold and a berth for the AAC. Despite a disrupted training block—she hadn’t trained for three weeks due to hamstring cramps—Yarraji delivered a composed and confident performance.
The reigning Asian champion in this event, Yarraji will now aim to defend her crown while also gunning for the 200m podium, where she had bagged silver in 2023.
Tejas Shirse: Victory with a Caveat
In the men’s 110m hurdles, Tejas Shirse clocked 13.65s to take home the title, though he missed the AAC qualification standard of 13.56s. Shirse, the national record holder, had run faster in the heats, raising hopes he might make the cut. Still, given his track record and improving form, selectors may yet consider him for the continental championships.
He was followed by Manav R (13.94s) and Muhammed Lazan (14.17s), both showing promise but needing significant improvement to compete internationally.
Heptathlon Heroics: Nandini Agasara Leads the Pack
Asian Games medalist Nandini Agasara proved her versatility once again, winning the women’s heptathlon with 5813 points, clearing the AAC mark and stamping her ticket to the big stage. Pooja and Moumita Mondal finished second and third but missed the qualification mark of 5487 points.
Agasara’s rise has been one of the most heartening stories in Indian athletics, as she continues to elevate the profile of combined events in the country.
Discus & The Distance Dream
In the men’s discus throw, Nirbhay Singh claimed gold with a throw of 58.13m, falling just short of the AAC mark of 59.63m. He led Abhimanyu and Bhartpreet, who rounded out the top three.
With Indian discus throw legends like Vikas Gowda long retired, the next-gen throwers have big shoes to fill. While none hit the Asian benchmark this time, there’s evident depth and potential in the field.
Looking Ahead: The Asian Challenge
With the Federation Cup acting as the final selection meet for the Asian Athletics Championships, several athletes have punched their tickets. Those who missed the qualification marks—like Dev Meena and Tejas Shirse—have shown enough promise to deserve selectors’ consideration based on trajectory and performance context.
What’s heartening is the youth brigade dominating headlines. Whether it’s Meena’s record-breaking flights, Rupal’s last-gasp surges, or David’s fearless jumps, India’s athletic future looks promising. The Asian Championships will be a litmus test—not just of medals but of how close this new generation can get to global standards.
One thing is certain: the 28th Federation Cup wasn’t just a domestic competition—it was the stage where India’s next Olympic hopefuls began to soar.
By Athletics Expert | IndiaSportsHub
