India’s premier javelin thrower and national record holder, Annu Rani, continues to strive for consistency in the 2025 season. While her year has been highlighted by podium finishes and international appearances, the one elusive marker—crossing the 60m barrier—remains a challenge she’s yet to overcome this season.
Gold in Taiwan, but Room to Grow
At the Taiwan Athletics Open 2025, Annu added another international gold to her name, clinching the top spot in the women’s javelin throw with a mark of 56.82m. Her winning throw came in the second round and, although enough for the gold medal, it was noticeably below her personal best and national record of 63.82m, set back in 2022.
By her high standards, this was a modest outing, but considering the competition and the conditions, it was a commendable result. It also added valuable points to her World Rankings, which could prove crucial as she eyes upcoming competitions, including the potential path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Season Snapshot: Steady, But Short of Peak
In 2025 so far, Annu Rani has maintained a level of performance that’s kept her among the best in Asia, but hasn’t seen her cross the 60m mark—something she did consistently in her peak years. Her performances this season:
- 58.82m at the Indian Open Throws
- 56.43m at the Indian Open Meetings
- 56.66m at the Federation Cup
- 58.30m at the Asian Championships
- 56.82m at the Taiwan Athletics Open
Despite this series of solid results, the 60m line—long seen as the benchmark for elite women’s javelin throwers—has remained just out of reach. Since 2022, she has crossed the 60m barrier only twice. It’s a stark contrast to the 2022 season, where she appeared to be in the form of her life, peaking with her national record of 63.82m.
Asian Championships Heartbreak
One of Annu’s biggest tests this year came at the Asian Athletics Championships, where she was vying for her third continental medal. Having previously won bronze in 2017 and silver in 2019, Annu was expected to return to the podium. However, she fell just short.
With a best attempt of 58.30m, she finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a bronze. A foul in the final round ended her challenge, as she was overtaken by Japan’s Sae Takemoto who threw 58.94m to snatch third place. China’s Su Lingdan won gold with a superb 63.29m throw.
It marked a second straight fourth-place finish at the Asian Championships for Annu, replicating her result from 2023.
Tokyo, Paris… and Now What?
Annu’s journey through the global athletics circuit has been one of resilience. Despite recent ups and downs, she secured a Paris 2024 Olympic quota via her world ranking, finishing 20th among the top 32 eligible throwers. However, her Olympic campaign came to a premature end. A throw of 55.81m in the qualifying round was not enough to progress to the finals.
It was a difficult result for the reigning Asian Games champion, who was hoping to build on her Tokyo 2020 experience.
Annu’s form in 2025 may not have scaled the highs of her national record-setting year, but she remains India’s most experienced and decorated women’s javelin thrower. With her consistent top-three finishes and continued international participation, there are signs that she’s building toward something bigger.
The National Inter-State Championships, potential Diamond League invitations, and the World Athletics Championships next year could all provide fresh opportunities to find the rhythm again. More importantly, with the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Annu has time to recalibrate her technique, physical condition, and mental focus.
At 32, Annu Rani still has a few competitive seasons ahead. Whether she breaks her own record or not, her ability to lead Indian women’s javelin with dignity, fight, and ambition remains undisputed.
Can she find that 60m+ spark again? If history is any guide, never count her out.
