The 64th National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai enters its decisive Day 4 today, with a packed evening schedule that promises fireworks across field and track.
From high jump duels to sprint showdowns, the spotlight will shine on India’s established stars and rising prospects, many of whom are eyeing qualification standards for the World Championships. Here’s a detailed look at the finals lined up.
Men’s High Jump (17:10 hrs)
The men’s high jump is set up as one of the marquee contests of the day. Sarvesh Anil Kushare (Maharashtra), the defending champion and Asian silver medallist, arrives in Chennai with a season best of 2.26m. He is chasing Tejaswin Shankar’s national record of 2.29m and has already cleared 2.27m in his career. His challengers include Aadarsh Ram J (Tamil Nadu), the reigning National Games champion with a PB of 2.18m, and youngsters like Sudeep (Karnataka) and Dhairyshil Gayakwad (Maharashtra), both consistent over 2.10m this season.
With the World Championships standard set at 2.33m, a tall order looms, but domestic bragging rights remain firmly up for grabs. Expect Sarvesh to dominate, though the focus will also be on whether anyone from the younger lot can cross the 2.15m barrier consistently.
Women’s Javelin Throw (17:20 hrs)
The women’s javelin brings back the country’s most decorated thrower Annu Rani (Uttar Pradesh). The Asian Games gold medallist and national record holder (63.82m) leads the field comfortably, having thrown 62.59m earlier this month. The challenge is expected from Deepika (Haryana), who stunned many by hurling 56.41m this season, and Karishma Sanil (Karnataka), a 55.55m thrower. Behind them, Rashmi K (Andhra Pradesh) and Anjani Kumari (Bihar) add depth. While the World Championship mark of 64m may just be out of reach, Annu’s form and experience could still produce a 60m-plus winning throw.
For Deepika, this is another chance to prove her transition from junior promise to senior contention.
Men’s 400m Hurdles Final (18:00 hrs)
India’s one-lap hurdles has been rejuvenated in recent years, with names like Yashas Palaksha taking it near sub-49 territory. In Chennai, the spotlight falls on Subhas Das (West Bengal), who clocked 50.11s earlier this year, and Ruchit Mori (Gujarat), the National Games champion with a PB of 50.58s. Tamil Nadu’s Aswin L, Punjab’s Hardeep, and veteran Sathish K are also strong contenders. With the national record of 48.80s (Dharun Ayyasamy) still untouched, today’s race could push athletes closer to that 49-second mark.
The tight field suggests a nail-biting finish, with Subhas Das starting as the slight favourite.
Men’s Shot Put (18:10 hrs)
Whenever Tajinderpal Singh Toor steps into the circle, the crowd expects dominance. The double Asian Games champion owns the national, meet, and all-comers record at 21.77m. His season-best of 19.74m, though below his peak, still puts him ahead of the domestic field. The real fight will be for the minor medals. Samardeep Gill (Madhya Pradesh), fresh off a 19.38m effort, looks the strongest challenger. Prabhkirpal Singh (19.04m) and Karanveer Singh (20.10m PB) are also in contention.
Toor should defend his crown with ease, but fans will watch closely whether anyone else can breach the 19m mark, signalling depth in India’s throwing scene.
Women’s 400m Hurdles Final (18:15 hrs)
The women’s one-lap hurdles offers a clash of generations. Vithya Ramraj (Tamil Nadu), who equalled the legendary PT Usha’s national record (55.42s) at the 2023 Asian Games, headlines the field. She has been in strong form this season, clocking 56.04s in April. Her closest rivals include Anu Raghavan (Kerala), an experienced international with a PB of 56.77s, and Olimba Steffi (Tamil Nadu), the defending champion. Deekshita Gowda and Ramandeep Kaur add depth.
Vithya starts as the overwhelming favourite, but a sub-56 run today could serve as a confidence boost ahead of global assignments.
Women’s Long Jump (18:25 hrs)
This is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the day, with Shaili Singh (Uttar Pradesh) leading the lineup. The 20-year-old, mentored by Anju Bobby George, has already jumped 6.64m this season and owns a PB of 6.76m. Her main rival is Moumita Mondal (West Bengal), who recently set a PB of 6.45m while also excelling in hurdles. Bhavani Yadav, Sherin A, and Kusuma Ravada are all capable of surpassing the 6.20m mark.
With the World Championships qualifying standard at 6.86m, Shaili is the closest bet. Today’s final could see her inching further towards the elusive 6.80m barrier.
Women’s 200m Final (18:40 hrs)
The women’s 200m has the perfect blend of veterans and rising stars. Dhanalakshmi S (Tamil Nadu), with a PB of 23.14s, enters as the frontrunner, having clocked 23.16s this season. She faces stiff competition from Angel Silvia M, winner of the Bhubaneswar WACT meet (23.81s), and Gujarat’s young star Sakshi Chavan, who continues to impress on the national circuit. Simran Kaur and Shivani Saini will also push for podium finishes.
While Saraswati Saha’s long-standing national record of 22.82s remains intact, a sub-23.20 performance could be enough to seal gold.
Men’s 200m Final (18:50 hrs)
The men’s half-lap sprint will be the highlight of the evening. Animesh Kujur (Odisha), fresh from breaking the national record with 20.32s in Gumi earlier this year, will aim to underline his dominance. Amlan Borgohain (Assam), a proven 20.52s sprinter, is his closest challenger, while Ragul Kumar (Tamil Nadu), Sandeep Singh (Himachal), and Ankit Kaswan (Rajasthan) add further intrigue.
The field is stacked with young sprinters capable of sub-21 performances. While Animesh is expected to defend his title, all eyes will be on whether he can dip below 20.30s edging closer to the World Championships standard of 20.16s.
Women’s 800m Final (19:30 hrs)
Middle-distance action returns with a strong women’s 800m final. Pooja (Haryana), Asian bronze medallist and this season’s best Indian at 2:01.89, leads the field. Her rivals include Amandeep Kaur (Punjab), a World University Games semi-finalist with 2:03.69, and Thota Sankeertana (Chhattisgarh), who clocked 2:07.17 recently. With Twinkle Chaudhary and Chanda absent today, Pooja is favoured to win comfortably. The key question is whether she can push closer to the two-minute barrier, strengthening her case as India’s next big 800m hope.
Men’s 800m Final (19:40 hrs)
The men’s 800m promises to be a thriller. Krishan Kumar (Haryana), a seasoned runner with a 1:45.88 PB, and Prakash Gadade (Maharashtra), who has shown excellent form this year (1:47.14). Youngsters like Aman Kumar and Vinod Kumar Banoth could also surprise.
Day 4 of the Inter-State Championships is loaded with marquee names Annu Rani, Tajinder Toor, Vithya Ramraj, Shaili Singh, Dhanalakshmi, Animesh Kujur. For fans, it’s a rare chance to see multiple national record holders competing within hours of each other.
From the soaring high jump bars to the lung-busting 800m finals, Chennai is set for an evening where India’s present champions and future stars share the same stage.
