The 64th National Athletics Championships in New Delhi witnessed a stellar display of emerging talent as young athletes from across the country set new records and claimed top honors in various events. The championships, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, served as a crucial platform for identifying potential candidates for the upcoming Asian Games and the Paris Olympics.
One of the standout performances came from 19-year-old Priya Mohan, who won the women’s 400m event with a new meet record of 51.67 seconds. Mohan, who has been steadily rising through the ranks of Indian athletics, dominated the race from start to finish, leaving her competitors trailing in her wake. Her time also met the qualification standard for the Asian Games, making her one of the top contenders for the Indian squad.
In the men’s 800m, Abhishek Pal produced a stunning final sprint to clinch gold with a time of 1:47.32. Pal, who has been training under coach Ramesh Nagapuri, displayed remarkable endurance and tactical acumen, overtaking the race leader in the final 100 meters. His victory has positioned him as a strong candidate for international competitions, with the Asian Games and Olympics on the horizon.
Another highlight was in the men’s javelin throw, where Rohit Yadav set a personal best of 85.92 meters, securing his place at the Asian Games. Yadav, who has been working closely with former national champion Shivpal Singh, credited his success to rigorous training and mental preparation. “I’ve been focusing on consistency and technique, and it all came together today. This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to representing India on the international stage,” Yadav said after his win.
The championships also saw a new national record in the women’s 100m hurdles, where Jyothi Yarraji clocked 12.78 seconds, breaking her own previous record. Yarraji’s performance has raised expectations for her participation in the upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games. “Breaking the national record is always special, but I’m focused on the bigger challenges ahead. My goal is to bring home a medal from the Asian Games,” said Yarraji.
The National Athletics Championships, which concluded with a grand closing ceremony, were hailed as a success by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). AFI President Adille Sumariwalla praised the athletes for their performances and expressed confidence in India’s prospects at upcoming international events. “The level of competition this year has been exceptional, and it’s encouraging to see so many young athletes making their mark. We are optimistic about our chances in the Asian Games and beyond,” Sumariwalla said.
With several national records shattered and emerging stars making their presence felt, the championships have set the stage for a new era in Indian athletics. The focus will now shift to preparing these athletes for the challenges ahead, with an eye on international glory.