Five Indians to watch out for at World Athletics Championships 2023

Published at :August 18, 2023 at 1:56 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 5:56 PM

Anju Bobby George and Neeraj Chopra are the only two Indian medalists

Led by Neeraj Chopra, the Indian athletes embark on their journey to the World Athletics Championships 2023 aiming to secure several medals. Bolstered by valuable experience and enhanced performance, this time around, the burden of India’s aspirations won’t solely rest on Neeraj’s shoulders. As they approach the competition following a well-executed preparatory phase, there’s optimism that the weight of expectations can be more evenly distributed across the Indian contingent.

Here are the top 5 Indian’s to watch out for in the upcoming World Athletics Championships 2023

Jeswin Aldrin

At just 21 years old, Aldrin set an impressive standard with an astonishing 8.42m jump during the National Open Jumps competition held in Bellary on March 2nd. This remarkable achievement currently holds the title for the best long jump in the world for the current season. Following this outstanding performance, he continued to excel with two more jumps exceeding 8 meters during his time in Havana, Cuba, in May.

However, Aldrin encountered a period of challenges in the ensuing months as he struggled to consistently achieve the 8m mark in his jumps. This period was marked by both injuries and a bout of COVID-19, which added to his difficulties. In the earlier part of June, Aldrin clinched the silver medal at the National Interstate Championship held in Bhubaneswar with a leap of 7.98m. However, Aldrin made the decision not to participate in the Asian Championships that took place in July due to fitness-related concerns.

Nevertheless, Aldrin’s determination shone through and he found a turning point at the CITIUS Meeting in Bern. This World Athletics Tour bronze-level event provided the platform for Aldrin to reclaim his peak form as he leaped an impressive 8.22m to secure the coveted gold medal and reaffirming his status as a top-tier athlete.

Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin sensation secured his spot at the World Athletics Championships 2023 through a wild card entry, thanks to his status as the reigning Diamond League champion in addition to being the Olympic champion and the 2022 World silver medalist.

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Among the 28-member contingent, Neeraj Chopra stands as India’s prime contender for a medal. His throw of 88.07 meters at the Doha Diamond League placed him third in the top lists for the season but he has triumphed over both Jakub Vadlejch and Julian Weber who occupy the first and second positions on the top lists. After a minor injury setback post the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj made a strong comeback with an 87.66-meter throw and claimed victory at the Lausanne Diamond League in June.

While Neeraj is determined to secure his inaugural World Championship gold,the World Championships could potentially witness impressive throws and offer Neeraj an opportune moment to join the 90m club.

Murali Sreeshankar

Having felt like a newcomer in Eugene, Murali Sreeshankar has now evolved into a seasoned figure within the European circuit. Following last year’s World Championships, he made his debut in the Diamond League at Monaco and has since participated in two more events – in Paris and Lausanne – this year. Sreeshankar etched his name in history by securing a long jump bronze at the Diamond League in Paris, becoming the third Indian athlete and the first long jumper to clinch a medal in this prestigious global series.

His performance has displayed remarkable consistency, his impressive 8.37m jump secured a silver medal at the Asian Championships to add to his accolades. In fact, this achievement marks the fifth instance this year where he has surpassed the 8m mark in seven tournaments. Building on his experience of making the final and finishing seventh in Eugene last year, Sreeshankar approaches the upcoming championships with increased confidence and is poised for an improved performance.

Avinash Sable

Avinash Sable has been meticulously preparing for the World Athletics Championships this year away from the limelight and his home country. The 3000m steeplechase runner diligently trained at altitudes in both Colorado Springs and St Moritz, Switzerland to gear up for the upcoming Budapest championships.

Last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, left Sable with less than fond memories as he finished 11th in the final due to a slow-paced, tactical race that marked one of the slowest in the history of the event. However, Sable swiftly rebounded from this setback dispelling those haunting memories at the Commonwealth Games a mere month later in Birmingham. There, he outperformed a group of Kenyan runners to secure the silver medal and enhanced his national record for the ninth time with an impressive time of 8:11.20s.

In the current year, 28-year-old Sable engaged in three steeplechase Diamond League events. His standout performance occurred in Silsea, Poland, where he clocked a time of 8:11.63 to secure his qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics well in advance. As the Budapest championships approach, Sable holds confidence in his ability to spring another unexpected triumph. Armed with refined tactical awareness and the capacity to surge strongly in the final stretch, Sable enters the competition in a far more advantageous position.

Praveen Chithravel

Praveen Chithravel has emerged as a standout jumper setting a fresh national record this season with a remarkable 17.37m leap. Only a select four jumpers participating in the championship have surpassed his impressive mark. He also secured a silver medal at the Asian indoor championships earlier in the year which set a strong tone for his performances.

Chithravel’s outdoor achievements have been equally remarkable, consistently clearing the 17m mark in three out of four competitions this year. While a shadow might be cast due to a comparatively lower jump of 16.59m at the Diamond League in Monaco, it’s important to note that Chithravel entered the tournament on short notice, primarily to demonstrate his fitness following injury concerns earlier in the year.

Praveen Chithravel holds the potential to secure a top-eight finish, a feat never before achieved by an Indian in this field.

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