As the World Athletics Continental Bronze event in Bhubaneswar draws closer, all eyes turn to one of India’s most exciting disciplines men’s javelin throw.
Hosted at the iconic Kalinga Stadium on August 10, 2025, the event will bring together a competitive field of Indian and international throwers, many of whom are shaping into serious prospects for the 2026 Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Kalinga’s Javelin Legacy: A Stadium with a Champion’s Signature
The Kalinga Stadium isn’t just another athletics venue it’s deeply etched in India’s javelin history. Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic and World Champion, holds the stadium record of 85.23m, set during the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships. It was here that Chopra began commanding international respect, launching himself into the elite bracket with that performance. Since then, the javelin scene in India has flourished, and Bhubaneswar now stands as a temple of sorts for the discipline.
This year, the lineup at the Continental Tour Bronze meet features a mix of seasoned national campaigners, rising Indian talents, and a few international names that could shake up the leaderboard. With several personal bests (PBs) already exceeding 80m this year, expect the sector lines to be thoroughly tested.
Meet the Participants: Spotlight on Form and Promise
Rohit Yadav (Bib 259, India)
After missing most of 2023 due to injury, Rohit Yadav stormed back into relevance with a solid season-best (SB) of 80.47m earlier this year. The 2022 World Championships finalist has the experience and temperament to handle high-pressure environments. Known for his consistent technique and strong finish, Yadav will be aiming not only to return to the top national bracket but also inch closer to the 85m+ territory that defines elite world-level competitiveness.
Sachin Yadav (Bib 205, India)
One of the fastest-rising names in Indian javelin, Sachin comes into the meet as the 2025 Asian Championships silver medalist, boasting a PB and SB of 85.16m this season. With both form and confidence on his side, Sachin will likely start as one of the top contenders to win. Having already thrown beyond the magic 85m mark, the 1999-born thrower is clearly knocking on the doors of international stardom.
Yashvir Singh (Bib 214, India)
Another young and technically sound athlete, Yashvir Singh has impressed on the domestic circuit and was the 2025 Tashkent International Champion. His best of 82.57m this season reflects his improving trajectory. The competition in Bhubaneswar could be a breakout international moment if he manages to sustain his rhythm and avoid foul throws, which have occasionally held him back.
Shashank Patil (Bib 151, India)
One of the new faces to keep an eye on, Shashank has quietly built a promising season. His 80.23m throw earlier this year has marked him as a contender. Having recently clinched a podium at an Indian Grand Prix, the 2004-born athlete is gradually making his way up the pecking order. A solid outing here could secure him a place in bigger continental meets in 2026.
Shivam Lokahare (Bib 160, India)
Just 20 years old, Shivam is the 2023 National Junior Champion and now joins the senior ranks with a bang. His season-best of 80.95m is among the best by a U23 athlete this year and indicates he’s already ready for the senior international level. While this meet may be about exposure, don’t be surprised if Shivam launches one into the high-81m zone.
Vikrant Malik (Bib 128, India)
A reliable presence in the domestic circuit, Vikrant is a 2023 World University Games finalist with a personal best of 81.82m (2022). He’s a steady hand but will need to lift his performance from this season’s best of 76.09m to compete with the new guard.
International Names to Watch
While Indian athletes dominate the field, the presence of strong international names adds spice to the competition.
Ramesh Tharanga Pathirage (Bib 240, Sri Lanka)
Just 22, Pathirage has already thrown 85.45m in 2024 and enters the meet with an SB of 85.41m this year. He was fourth at the 2025 Asian Championships, narrowly missing out on a medal, and will look to prove a point here. With Sri Lanka’s javelin scene witnessing a steady rise, Pathirage could very well stand on the podium, or even on top of it, if he hits his peak form.
Sumedha Ranasinghe (Bib 235, Sri Lanka)
At 34, Ranasinghe is the most experienced name in the field. The 2019 World Military Games bronze medalist and national record holder with 85.78m (thrown earlier this year) is still a fierce competitor. He will be aiming to use his veteran savvy to edge out the younger crop.
Ali Fathi Ganji (Bib 133, Iran)
Representing Iran, Ganji was a 2025 Asian Championships finalist and has a best of 76.65m. With an SB of 75.01m this year, the 24-year-old is capable of sudden breakthroughs. Bhubaneswar might just be the event where he reclaims his top form.
Rohit Chaudhary (Bib 192, Nepal)
A national champion from Nepal, Chaudhary enters with a PB of 64.25m. Although he’s not expected to be in medal contention, participation at this level could help improve Nepal’s javelin standards and inspire the next generation.
The Benchmarks and the Neeraj Effect
This meet will be closely watched for performances in the 85–87m range, a band that separates continental contenders from global finalists. Neeraj Chopra’s dominance over the years has transformed India’s javelin landscape. His national record of 90.23m, set in May this year in Doha, has further widened the gap between him and the rest, but it has also lifted the standards across the ecosystem.
India’s domestic training setups, led by SAI centers and private academies, are now regularly producing 80m+ throwers a benchmark that used to be rare even a decade ago. From the 12 listed athletes in Bhubaneswar, eight have PBs over 80m, underlining the depth that now exists.
What to Expect in Bhubaneswar
With top names like Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Ramesh Pathirage, and Sumedha Ranasinghe all in the 85m club, a season-best or even meet-record performance could be on the cards. The weather in Bhubaneswar is expected to be warm and slightly humid, which usually aids the glide and grip of the javelin.
The Indian All-Comers Record of 88.07m (Neeraj Chopra, 2021) is probably safe, but the Kalinga Stadium Record of 85.23m could be under threat from Sachin Yadav or Ranasinghe. The most crucial takeaway, though, will be how many athletes can consistently hit above 82m a benchmark for qualifying to top-tier international meets like Diamond League or World Championships.
This year’s javelin field at the Bhubaneswar Continental Bronze Tour meet is arguably the strongest in its recent editions. With a blend of youth, experience, and international presence, the event promises high drama and serious distance. For Indian javelin throwers, this is more than just another domestic competition it is a proving ground, a potential launchpad to global circuits, and perhaps the start of a new chapter in India’s storied javelin journey.
Whether it’s Sachin Yadav pushing boundaries, Shivam Lokahare announcing himself, or Rohit Yadav staging a comeback, javelin fans are in for a treat.
