Indian triple jump star Praveen Chithravel soared to a silver medal at the World University Games 2025 with a best leap of 16.66 meters, marking India’s first athletics medal at this edition of the Games.
For Praveen, who already owns the national record (17.37m), this was more than just a podium finish it was a moment that underlined a season of resurgence, consistency and quiet determination. This medal added another proud chapter to an already impressive year for Praveen, further cementing his reputation as India’s leading triple jumper and one of Asia’s most reliable medal contenders.
A Silver that Meant More than Just a Podium
In the men’s triple jump final held under perfect evening conditions in Bochum, Praveen produced a series that spoke of confidence and form: opening with 16.62m, following up with the medal-winning 16.66m in his second attempt, and adding a 16.28m jump before three fouls closed out his series. Ultimately, he finished behind Australia’s Connor Murphy, who won gold with a season-best 16.77m, and ahead of Brazil’s João Pedro Silva De Azevedo, who claimed bronze with 16.35m.
What makes this medal special is context: it came at the end of a day where Indian athletics had fought for near-podium finishes in other events, and Praveen’s silver finally broke the wait for track and field glory at these Games. At the last edition in China, India managed four bronze medals in athletics but none in triple jump a discipline where India had never medaled at the World University Games before. Praveen’s leap changed that history.
A Season Defined by Consistency
For those who have followed Praveen’s journey, this silver is neither a surprise nor an accident. The 24-year-old athlete has turned 2025 into arguably the best and most consistent year of his career.
Starting with gold at the National Games (16.50m), Praveen then equaled his own national record at the Federation Cup in Kochi in April, leaping 17.37m comfortably over the qualifying mark for the 2025 World Championships.
At the Asian Championships in Gumi, Republic of Korea, he won silver again (16.90m), finishing just behind the gold medallist in a highly competitive field.
In between, he added another international title at the X Meeting Memorial Jose Luis Hernandez in Pamplona, Spain, where he registered a wind-assisted 16.80m. His versatility showed in June when he posted a lifetime best of 7.86m in long jump his first time approaching the 8m mark.
The silver at the World University Games is the latest proof that Praveen is no longer the jumper who relied on occasional big days; he is now a reliable medal prospect on any stage.
Rising from Challenges
Behind the numbers lies a story of resilience. Praveen had set the national record (17.37m) in 2023 during a meet in Cuba but was soon hit by injury setbacks, leading to a difficult season in 2024. At the Paris Olympics, he finished 27th overall in qualification with 16.25m, missing out on the final a moment that hurt but also triggered introspection.
Guided by Cuban coach Yoandri Betanzos, himself a double World Championships silver medallist, Praveen restructured his training. Betanzos’ approach based on “live demonstration” rather than purely theoretical coaching suited Praveen’s style, focusing on technical corrections by visually demonstrating jump phases.
The results became clear in 2025. Not only did Praveen match his national record, but he also jumped consistently over 16.60m in most meets, and crucially, stayed injury-free.
Breaking Barriers for Indian Athletics
Praveen’s silver has broader significance. Triple jump has never been India’s traditional strength, and no Indian male triple jumper had previously reached the World University Games podium. His medal places India firmly on the continental map, showing the depth beyond sprints and throws.
What stands out is how Praveen’s success was earned through careful evolution: in 2022, he joined the “17m club” with 17.18m; by 2023, he broke the national record; in 2025, he equalled it again while adding multiple international medals.
India’s Big Day on 26 July : Medals, Finals & Record Performances at the World University Games 2025
These are not isolated peaks but a reflection of an athlete whose technique, speed on the runway and strength have matured.
Numbers that Speak Volumes, by the end of July 2025:
- Praveen holds a season best of 17.37m, ranking him 4th on the World Athletics 2025 top list.
- He has won silver medals at the Asian Championships and the World University Games.
- Won an international meet in Spain.
- Improved his long jump lifetime best.
- Secured early qualification for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
For an athlete who finished 27th at the Olympics last year, this turnaround speaks of mental strength as much as physical conditioning.
The Road Ahead
With the World Championships in Tokyo and the Asian Games in Doha approaching, Praveen’s season is far from over. His national record jump of 17.37m is only about half a metre away from the marks that regularly win global medals.
If he can consistently replicate that level especially in high-pressure finals a global medal is no longer a distant dream.
Off the field, Praveen’s story inspires as well. Born in Tamil Nadu, he rose through national camps and scholarships to become India’s top triple jumper. His partnership with coach Betanzos reflects the importance of adapting modern, athlete-centric training methods in Indian athletics.
At the World University Games in Bochum, Praveen Chithravel stood on the podium with a silver medal around his neck. It wasn’t the longest jump of his life but in many ways, it was one of the most meaningful. For Indian athletics, it was the first medal in track and field at these Games. For Praveen, it was proof that consistency, technical refinement and belief can turn heartbreak into history.
Praveen Chithravel isn’t just back he is leading the way forward. And with each jump, he’s showing what Indian athletics can aspire to next.
