Two of India’s most promising collegiate athletes, Selva Prabhu and Lokesh Sathyanathan, delivered top-five finishes at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships 2025, held at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene.
Both athletes have been on the radar for their consistent performances this season, and their results at one of the toughest collegiate competitions in the world reflect their growing stature in Indian athletics.
Selva Prabhu – Back in Form with a Top-5 NCAA Finish
Competing in the men’s triple jump final, Selva Prabhu placed fifth overall, registering a best effort of 16.09 metres. While it wasn’t a personal best or podium finish, the result carries deeper meaning for the 22-year-old from Tamil Nadu.
Prabhu has battled injuries for much of the past year, and this season has been about rediscovering rhythm and confidence. After jumping a season-best 16.25m earlier this year to qualify for the NCAA finals, his 16.09m performance under pressure at Hayward Field was a strong indication that he’s on his way back to full form.
In a field filled with elite collegiate jumpers from the U.S. and overseas, Selva held his own, showing consistency through the rounds. He wasn’t far off from the top three, and his controlled takeoff and improved mid-air posture were evident.
To place top 5 at the NCAA finals after injury setbacks is no small feat. He’s not just physically back, but mentally sharper too.
Lokesh Sathyanathan – Leaps into the Limelight
Meanwhile, in the men’s long jump final, Lokesh Sathyanathan also bagged a fifth-place finish, jumping 7.83 metres in what was a tightly contested event.
Lokesh has been steadily building his season, with multiple jumps beyond the 7.80m mark, and peaked well in time for the national collegiate finals. His performance in Eugene capped off a consistent run that saw him among the top jumpers on the U.S. college circuit.
His fifth-place jump came in the second round, and although he couldn’t improve further, his series reflected great composure. With the event witnessing strong performances near and beyond the 8m mark, Lokesh remained competitive and brought valuable visibility to Indian athletes on the NCAA stage.
What makes his performance even more notable is that he has consistently represented India at junior levels before making a mark in the U.S. collegiate system. A transition that isn’t always easy—Lokesh has handled it with maturity and grit.
India’s Growing Footprint at the NCAA
The performances of Selva Prabhu and Lokesh Sathyanathan are not isolated. Along with them, Krishna Jayasankar (discus throw) and Sharvari Parulekar (women’s triple jump) also qualified for the prestigious NCAA finals this year, underlining the expanding presence of Indian athletes in the U.S. college athletics ecosystem.
While the journey from NCAA to World Championships or Olympics is demanding, this platform is proving to be an excellent springboard. It offers access to elite coaching, competition, and facilities—elements that are shaping India’s next wave of athletics talent.
Selva and Lokesh have not only made a statement with their top-5 finishes but have also reaffirmed their credentials as future contenders at the Asian level and beyond.
What’s Next?
- Both athletes will likely now shift focus to the Asian Athletics circuit and domestic qualifiers, where they will aim to secure selection for India’s squads at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships and potentially even the World Championships.
- For Selva, the priority will be to build strength and confidence to return to the 16.50m+ mark, which would place him among the continent’s best.
- Lokesh, meanwhile, will eye the elusive 8m barrier—a jump that could open doors to Diamond League starts and Indian national selection.
A Word of Appreciation
India’s representation at the NCAA championships is not just a matter of pride—it’s a sign of things to come. With the right support and recognition, these athletes can transition from top college performers to global competitors.
As Selva Prabhu and Lokesh Sathyanathan proved this week in Eugene, Indian athletics has the talent it now needs the momentum.
🇮🇳 Onwards and upwards, champs.