As the countdown begins for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Indian athletics is scripting one of its most compelling chapters.
A 19-member squad 14 men and 5 women will represent the country in 15 events, marking a blend of historic firsts, seasoned campaigners, and breakthrough performers. For a nation whose athletics journey has often oscillated between flashes of brilliance and long spells of underachievement, this contingent reflects both depth and diversification. For the first time, India is fielding multiple athletes across sprints, technical events, throws, and distance races, with realistic hopes of leaving a lasting mark.
Animesh Kujur: The New Face of Indian Sprinting
If one story captures the spirit of India’s progress, it is that of Animesh Kujur. At 22, he has become the first Indian male sprinter ever to qualify for the World Championships, an achievement that was once considered almost unimaginable. Kujur’s rise has been rapid but not accidental. His national records of 10.18 seconds in the 100m and 20.32 seconds in the 200m reflect world-class progress. For decades, Indian sprinting has lagged behind, unable to break the 10.30 barrier in the 100m. Kujur has not only shattered that ceiling but also positioned himself among Asia’s best.
In Tokyo, he will carry the dual burden of history and expectation. While a medal remains a long shot against the likes of Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley, even qualifying for the semifinals would be a landmark moment for Indian athletics.
Technical Events: Tejas Shirse’s Leap in Hurdles
Another symbolic breakthrough comes in the form of Tejas Shirse, who will line up in the 110m hurdles. He is only the second Indian male hurdler to qualify for the World Championships, earning his place via an invitation. India has rarely produced specialists in technical track events, which demand years of coaching, access to infrastructure, and exposure to high-level competition. Shirse’s inclusion is therefore more than just about one athlete; it signals that the country is gradually expanding its reach beyond traditional strengths.
If there is one discipline where India can claim genuine world dominance, it is the men’s javelin throw.
The nation will field four athletes in Tokyo Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav the most ever in a single event at the World Championships for India.
- Neeraj Chopra remains the talisman. The Olympic and defending world champion has already elevated the sport in India to unprecedented heights. His presence ensures India will be in medal contention.
- Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh qualified via world rankings, reflecting consistency across the season.
- Rohit Yadav earned his spot through a late invitation, underlining the depth India now enjoys.
This four-strong representation is symbolic of the ripple effect Chopra has created. Once an event of isolated excellence, the javelin throw is now a pipeline of world-class talent, with India seen as a true global force.
Experience remains a vital ingredient in India’s Tokyo-bound squad. Annu Rani, competing in her fifth World Championships, stands as the most-capped Indian athlete in the history of the event. Her consistency is remarkable, bridging a generation of athletes and serving as a role model for women in field events. Sandeep Kumar, the veteran racewalker, first appeared on the World Championships stage in 2013. His return 12 years later illustrates both endurance and the staying power required in one of athletics’ most grueling disciplines.
These athletes not only bring stability but also provide mentorship for the younger members of the squad.
Distance Running: Gulveer Singh’s Rare Double
Indian distance running has long struggled to match global standards, yet Gulveer Singh is quietly changing that narrative. He will compete in both the 5000m and 10,000m, a rare double for an Indian athlete. His qualification was earned both through entry standards and invitations, underlining his growing stature. While the East Africans will remain overwhelming favorites in these events, Singh’s presence itself is an important marker of India’s gradual entry into endurance races where representation has been scarce.
Though only five women feature in the squad, their roles are no less significant. Annu Rani anchors the field, but the broader narrative lies in how female athletes continue to sustain India’s presence in global athletics. Each World Championships since 2005 has seen at least one Indian woman advance beyond the first round a tradition this squad will aim to maintain.
What stands out in this year’s squad is the balance between emerging stars like Kujur and Shirse and stalwarts such as Chopra, Rani, and Kumar. This blend creates not only competitive possibilities in Tokyo but also a long-term developmental pathway. Athletics in India is no longer about isolated medal hopes; it is about building depth across events. The very fact that India is represented in sprints, hurdles, throws, endurance, and walks signals a more well-rounded program than ever before.
The Road Ahead: Realistic Expectations
What then can Indian fans expect from Tokyo?
- Medal Hopes: Neeraj Chopra remains India’s best bet, with the men’s javelin lineup capable of multiple finalists. Annu Rani, though past her peak, remains competitive.
- Breakthrough Performances: Kujur in the sprints and Shirse in the hurdles offer the chance of semifinal appearances, which would be historic in themselves.
- Depth and Consistency: Even if medals prove elusive beyond javelin, the presence of multiple finalists across events would validate India’s growing strength.
The World Championships are not just about medals; they are about benchmarking progress against the world’s best. By that measure, India’s 2025 contingent is already a success story. This athletics squad is emblematic of something larger: the gradual professionalization of Indian sport. Unlike cricket or badminton, athletics has historically lacked systemic support. Yet, with investment in training bases, exposure tours, and scientific coaching, the gap is beginning to close.
The sight of four javelin throwers in a global final, or an Indian sprinter lining up against world champions, was once a dream. Today, it is reality.
For young athletes across the country, this squad is proof that global excellence is attainable. For administrators, it is a reminder that sustained support and governance can turn potential into podiums. As India heads into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, its athletes will carry more than just medals on their shoulders. They represent a new identity one where India is no longer content to participate, but determined to compete across disciplines.
From Animesh Kujur’s barrier-breaking sprinting feats to the javelin quartet’s historic depth, from Annu Rani’s record-setting fifth appearance to Gulveer Singh’s endurance double, this squad embodies the best of Indian athletics resilience, ambition, and evolution. The challenge now lies in converting these milestones into performances that can inspire the next generation.
For Indian athletics, Tokyo 2025 may well be remembered as the tournament where dreams stopped being improbable and started becoming inevitable.
