Rising Stars Take Center Stage, U20 National Junior Fed Athletics Championship 2025 Begins in Prayagraj
From June 22 to 24, the Under-20 National Junior Athletics Championship 2025 will turn the spotlight toward India’s next generation of elite athletes. Hosted for the first time in Prayagraj, at the Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium, the event is expected to feature around 1,400 athletes competing across various track and field disciplines. The upgraded venue with its new synthetic track and floodlight setup adds a fresh dimension, making this one of the most anticipated junior events on the national athletics calendar.
This championship is not just another annual meet it’s a crucial qualifier for the Asian U20 Athletics Championships and the World Athletics U20 Championships, scheduled to be held in the United States in 2026. For the country’s most promising athletes, Prayagraj is both a proving ground and a gateway to the international stage.
Talents to Watch: The Future is Here
The championship will see several young stars return to the national spotlight after successful international campaigns:
Astik Pradhan (400m)
Astik, a consistent performer at the junior level, will be one to watch in the 400m. With past medals at the 2024 National Juniors, he’ll aim to push below the 47-second barrier and target Bapi Hansda’s World U20 effort of 51.26s. Astik’s endurance and composure over one lap make him a strong title contender.
Kiran (110m Hurdles)
Kiran enters the championship as one of the fastest hurdlers in India’s U20 circuit. He broke the U18 national record twice in 2024, clocking a best of 13.47s, and will now attempt to inch closer to the senior national mark of 13.41s held by Tejas Shirse. With crisp technique and powerful starts, he’ll likely set the pace in hurdles.
Dipanshu Sharma (Javelin Throw)
The javelin pit will witness one of India’s most exciting junior prospects. Dipanshu, who clinched gold at the Asian U20 Championships 2024 with a 70.29m throw, also boasts a personal best of 75.04m, ranking him third globally in U20 this year.
With Neeraj Chopra’s U20 world record of 86.48m in his sights, Dipanshu brings pedigree and purpose.
Vanshika Ghangas (Pole Vault)
One of the most promising female vaulters in India, Vanshika has cleared 3.90m consistently over the past two seasons. Her aim in Prayagraj is to finally break the 4.00m barrier, putting her within touching distance of elite global standards.
Pavana Nagaraj (Long Jump)
The daughter of Olympian Sahana Kumari and sprinter BG Nagaraj, Pavana has already struck gold at the Asian U20s with a personal best of 6.32m. She also won at the 2024 Junior Nationals with a leap of 6.01m, and will look to further stretch her potential in Prayagraj.
Poonam (Javelin Throw)
After a silver medal at the South Asian Junior Championships in 2024, Poonam is targeting consistency beyond 51 meters. She’ll be eager to close the gap to the top Indian juniors and break through to the continental elite.
Neeru Pathak (Sprints & Relays)
A versatile sprinter who represented India at the 2024 World U20 Championships, Neeru will be a key figure in the 200m, 400m, and relay events. Her experience and speed will be critical to Delhi’s medal tally.
Sharuk Khan (3000m Steeplechase)
Sharuk comes into the championship as the national U20 record-holder in steeplechase with an 8:36.85s timing—set and improved twice at the 2024 World U20 Championships. He remains a strong gold medal favorite.
Aarti (10,000m Race Walk)
Aarti is India’s best hope in the 10,000m race walk, having won bronze at the World U20 Championships 2024 with a U20 national record of 44:39.39s. Expect her to control the field with smooth pacing and efficient technique.
Anurag Singh Kaler (Shot Put)
Anurag won gold at the Asian U20 Championships with a throw of 19.23m. He will be looking to push 20 meters, a rare milestone for U20 athletes, and consolidate his place among the best young throwers in Asia.
Ranvir Singh & Ekta Dey (Steeplechase)
Both Ranvir and Ekta are strong steeplechasers, having won gold at the Asian U20s. Ranvir clocked 9:22.62s, while Ekta claimed gold in 10:31.92s and added a silver in the 5000m. Their tactical strength will be on display again.
Dark Horses
Watch out for Amaty Sharma from Delhi and Pratik Maharana from Odisha. While their main events are not confirmed, both come from states with rich sprinting and field event legacies, and could produce surprise results.
New Venue, New Era
Prayagraj’s Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium will host its first-ever National Junior Championship under floodlights a first in Indian junior athletics history. This transformation is a far cry from its past, when the stadium lacked even a synthetic track during early events like the North Eastern Junior Championships.
The new facilities promise ideal conditions for personal bests and potential meet records. The relay events, particularly the 4x400m, are expected to generate excitement, especially given India’s impressive 3:08.10 finish at the 2024 World U20s.
Why It Matters
This championship serves as both a talent showcase and a selection ground for international representation. Strong performances here will likely shape India’s squad for the 2026 World U20 Championships in the USA. Beyond medals, it’s about momentum and Prayagraj could be where India’s next global stars take their first big leap.
In Sangam City, dreams take flight. The U20 National Junior Athletics Championship 2025 is not just about competition it’s about the promise of tomorrow. Keep an eye on the track, the field, and the future.
