Top five Performers in Inter-State Athletics Championships 2023

Close to 60 athletes breached the qualification mark for the Asian Games at the meet.

Under the bright Kalinga Stadium lights in the scorching heat of Bhubaneswar, the National Inter-State Athletics Championships 2023 took place from the 15th to the 19th of June. Serving as the selection trials for the highly anticipated Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the championship left spectators in awe as meet records were shattered and new benchmarks were set in various disciplines.

The Kalinga Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, provided the perfect setting for these exhilarating championships. Despite the hot and humid conditions, the participating athletes demonstrated unparalleled determination, resilience and a burning desire to secure their place in the upcoming Asian Games. As the stakes were raised, so too were the expectations. Athletes from across the country vied for victory, pushing their limits to earn a chance to represent India on the international stage.

In this article, we will delve into the top five performances that left spectators and experts alike in awe during the recently concluded National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2023.

1. Jyothi Yarraji

In the realm of women's hurdling, Jyothi Yarraji has emerged as a true trailblazer for India. Breaking barriers and rewriting records, this 23-year-old athlete continued to defy expectations in Inter-state competition held in Bhubaneswar.

Despite encountering a moment of adversity by fumbling on the third hurdle, she refused to let that setback hinder her progress. With an astonishing display of speed she blazed through the remaining obstacles, crossing the finish line with a scintillating time of 12.92s, securing the gold medal coupled with a Asian qualification.

Jyothi Yarraji delivered a remarkable performance by outpacing seasoned sprinter Srabani Nanda to claim the gold in the highly competitive women's 100m sprint. Jyothi blazed past the finish line, clocking an impressive time of 11.46s. Her victory came at the expense of Srabani Nanda, an Asian Championships bronze medalist and a formidable contender in her own right.

The National Record holder's remarkable achievement in the 100m race not only solidified her status as a rising star but also brought her closer to her aspirations of representing India at the Asian Games. With an entry standard of 11.42s, her impressive time of 11.46s put her on the cusp of qualifying for the prestigious continental meet.

In addition to her individual success, Jyothi's contributions extended to the team event as well. Her outstanding performances propelled her home state of Andhra Pradesh to a silver medal in the women's 4x100 meters relay, further emphasizing her all-around talent and impact on the competition.

2. Tajinder Pal Singh Toor

Shattering his own National Record with a massive throw of 21.77m, Toor has firmly secured his place among the world's elite shot putters. He also created a new Asian Record with that throw. This outstanding achievement catapults him to the ninth spot in the world rankings for this season.

Toor's remarkable resurgence couldn't have come at a better time. Following a disappointing setback at the Eugene World Championships last year where he had to withdraw due to injury and missing out on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, he embarked on a journey of redemption and emerged victorious.

3. Murali Sreeshankar

Murali Sreeshankar has captured the spotlight with a spectacular performance at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships. In his very first attempt during the qualifying round, the 24-year-old athlete unleashed a monumental jump of 8.41m, securing qualification for the upcoming World Championships.

This remarkable feat places him on the cusp of history, as his leap fell just one centimeter short of Jeswin Aldrin's national record of 8.42m. Notably, Sreeshankar's extraordinary effort also marks a personal best for the determined athlete.

4. Tejaswin Shankar

In the demanding world of decathlon, Tejaswin Shankar has risen above the challenging conditions in the Kalinga stadium to meet the Asian Games qualification standard. Battling through a hot and sultry environment, the Delhi athlete accumulated an impressive total of 7,576 points, surpassing the qualification mark of 7,500. His exceptional performance not only secured his spot at the Asian Games but also showcased three personal bests in the high jump, pole vault, and discus throw.

In an event where only a few Indians have reached such heights, Tejaswin defied the odds and proved his mettle.

5. Parul Chaudhary

Parul Chaudhary has earned herself a coveted spot at the Asian Games through her exceptional performance in the 3000m steeplechase event at the Inter-State Athletics Championships. Not only did she secure the top spot on the podium, Chaudhary also left a lasting mark by setting a meet record. Crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 9:34.23, she surpassed Sudha Singh's previous record of 9:39.59 set in 2018 at Guwahati.

Breaking records has become somewhat of a norm for her, as she consistently challenges the boundaries of what is possible in her discipline.

The recently concluded National Inter-State Athletics Championships provided a glimpse into the immense potential and hope for India's dominance in the world of athletics across various events. These achievements not only highlight the exceptional talent and determination of our athletes but also instill a sense of confidence that India is on its way to establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

With such stellar performances and a relentless drive for excellence, Indian athletes are poised to make their mark and bring glory to the nation in the world of athletics.