Highs, Lows, and Hopes: Tracking India’s Athletics Journey at the World University Games WUG 2025
The World University Games 2025 have brought a mixed bag of triumphs, heartbreaks, and new milestones for India’s track and field contingent. From Jeswin Aldrin’s struggles with form to new names like David Solomon and Sanya Yadav stepping up, here’s a detailed look at how India’s athletes fared so far and what lies ahead.
Jeswin Aldrin Misses Out, David Solomon Keeps Long Jump Hopes Alive
One of the biggest stories was national record holder Jeswin Aldrin missing the men’s long jump final. Aldrin, who stunned Indian athletics fans in 2023 with an 8.42m jump, couldn’t rediscover that spark in the qualification round, finishing with a best effort of 7.43m well below the final qualifying cut. Since last year, Aldrin has struggled to cross the 8m mark, despite a high-profile coaching switch from JSW’s Yoandri Betanzos to the Reliance Foundation setup. The wait for a return to top form continues.
Yet, India’s flag stayed aloft in men’s long jump thanks to David P Solomon. With jumps of 7.63m, 7.55m, and 7.57m, Solomon secured 11th place overall and booked a spot in the final. Earlier this season, Solomon caught attention by stunning Jeswin and Anees Yahiya with a lifetime best of 7.94m to win gold at the Federation Cup. Now, to challenge the continental elite, he’ll likely need to break the 8m barrier a mark Indian fans hope he can reach in the final.
Middle-Distance Star KM Chanda Powers Into 800m Final
In women’s middle distance, KM Chanda kept India’s hopes alive with a gutsy run in the women’s 800m semifinal. Clocking 2:02.05s, Chanda finished second in her heat, sealing direct qualification for the final. Despite looking slightly uncomfortable post-race possibly a cramp Chanda’s determination and racing instinct shone through. As one of India’s top middle-distance runners, all eyes will now be on how she recovers and strategizes for a podium finish.
Samardeep Gill’s Shot Put Power Takes Him to the Final
Turning to the throws, Samardeep Gill produced a solid performance to advance to the men’s shot put final. His best throw of 19.10m placed him fourth overall in the qualification round, comfortably booking his spot. Gill’s season best stands at 19.38m, and his personal best is 19.68m (achieved in 2024). A throw near or beyond 20m could put him in serious medal contention a target within reach if he can channel his peak form.
Unfortunately, fellow Indian thrower Sawan missed the final cut, finishing 21st with a best effort of 17.03m.
Heptathlon: Pooja and Tanushree Shine With Personal Bests
In the women’s heptathlon, Indian athletes opened their campaigns with encouraging performances in the 100m hurdles. Pooja clocked a lifetime best of 14.97s, earning 846 points, while Tanushree posted 15.53s, also her PB, securing 773 points. Pooja then cleared 1.71m in the high jump her season best adding another 867 points. Though she narrowly missed clearing 1.74m, the start sets up both athletes for competitive overall scores.
Discus Success: Sanya Yadav Enters Final With Lifetime Best
In women’s discus throw, Sanya Yadav delivered one of the most uplifting moments of India’s campaign so far. Recording a lifetime best of 51.21m, she finished 9th in the qualification round and secured a place in the final. At just 23, Sanya’s steady progress and ability to peak during major competitions are promising signs for Indian athletics, where consistency in women’s discus has long been elusive.
Animesh Kujur Advances, Manikanta Misses Out
India’s men’s 200m sprint produced contrasting fortunes. Animesh Kujur, the national record holder, clocked 21.16s to win his heat and secure direct qualification for the semifinals. His controlled run suggests he has more speed in reserve essential for progressing further.
On the flip side, former national 100m record holder Manikanta Hoblidhar clocked 21.42s, finishing 24th overall and missing the semifinal cut. For Manikanta, it was a reminder of how fierce the margins are at elite events.
In the women’s 200m, Angelsilvia Mariya posted 24.01s to qualify 15th overall for the semifinals. While the time was below her personal best (23.81s, set at the Indian Open Athletics last month), it keeps her in the race. She will need to improve in the semifinals to challenge for a final berth.
Unfortunately, Soniya clocked 24.84s, finishing sixth in her heat, and missed out on the semifinals.
Heartbreak in Hurdles: False Start Ends Rahil Sakeer’s Campaign
Athletics can be cruel, as Rahil Sakeer experienced first-hand. Competing in the men’s 110m hurdles, Rahil was disqualified due to a false start ending years of preparation in an instant. His disqualification felt even harsher given the absence of Tejas Shirse, India’s national record holder, who missed the Games due to injury.
Such moments underline the fine balance between aggression and control in sprint hurdles a discipline where India still searches for continental consistency.
A Campaign of Promise, Pressure and Potential
As the World University Games 2025 progress, India’s athletics team has shown flashes of promise and resilience. Young talents like David Solomon, Sanya Yadav, and Samardeep Gill stepping up on the international stage reflect a slow but steady deepening of the talent pool. Meanwhile, experienced names like KM Chanda keep pushing forward, balancing expectations with performance.
Yet, the struggles of established names like Jeswin Aldrin also highlight the relentless nature of elite sport where yesterday’s records offer no guarantees, and every new season demands reinvention.
With finals yet to come, Indian fans can look forward to more moments of hope and perhaps new names making headlines. As always in athletics, it takes just one leap, one throw, or one perfectly timed sprint to change everything.
