Top seven best performances by Indian athletes in World Athletics Championships history

Anju Bobby George and Neeraj Chopra are the only Indians to medal in the competition.

The World Athletics Championships is a biennial event that showcases the finest athletes from around the globe. While India may not have historically been a dominant force in this arena, the nation has now started producing remarkable performers whose achievements have garnered international recognition and admiration. 

India had sent a 27-member contingent to the World Athletics Championships 2023, including the men’s relay team who went on to break the Asian record previously set by Japan, and set a new one at 2:59.05s.

This article delves into the notable performances by Indian athletes who have left an indelible mark on the World Athletics Championships over the years and build a strong legacy on it.

Anju Bobby George – Long Jump (2003)

Anju Bobby George, hailing from Kerala, etched her name in history as India’s first and only female athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Her remarkable achievement came in 2003 when she secured a long jump bronze medal in Paris following a whooping jump of 6.70m.

This feat not only brought her personal glory but also inspired a generation of Indian athletes to pursue excellence on the global stage. In 2005 Helsinki, she finished fourth in the same event and missed out on bronze by the barest margin of 0.03m. 

Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw (2022)

Reigning Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, Neeraj Chopra became the first-ever Indian to win a silver medal in World Athletics Championships. He burst onto the international scene with his gold medal-winning performances at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Building on this success, he clinched the gold medal at the 2018 World U-20 Championships and, more notably, secured India’s second-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships. His remarkable throw of 88.13 meters earned him a silver medal.

Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw (2023)

The javelin thrower with exceptional prowess won the maiden gold medal for India in the World Athletics Championships since its inauguration. He hurled the javelin an impressive distance of 88.17 meters to secure the coveted gold medal.

Neeraj Chopra has cinched gold medal in Commonwealth Games 2018 and Asian Games 2018, he also became the Diamond League champion in 2022, earned the title of U-20 World Champion, and has also now become a world champion at the mere age of 25 years.

He now has unquestionably achieved the highest number of distinctions among field athletes ever produced by India, with two medals in the World Athletics Championships — gold and silver. He has paved his place in the history of Indian athletes.

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DP Manu – Javelin Throw (2023)

India witnessed a historic moment as three athletes participated in the men’s javelin throw finals for the first time. Leading the charge was Neeraj Chopra, who secured the title. On a separate note, Manu DP showcased his prowess by securing the sixth amidst fierce competition.

Hailing from a small town with big dreams, Manu DP’s journey into athletics began as a young child. Drawn by the thrill of competition and the pursuit of personal excellence, he embraced the world of javelin throwing with unwavering determination. Manu DP’s performance stood out as he unleashed a remarkable throw spanning 84.14 meters during his fifth attempt.

Kishore Kumar Jena – Javelin Throw (2023)

Kishore Jena delivered a remarkable feat by achieving a personal best record with a throw spanning 84.77 meters to achieve an all over fifth position in the event. This achievement brought him incredibly close to the sought-after qualification mark of 85.50 meters set for the Paris Olympics.

Throughout the competition, Kishore Jena’s journey was marked by intriguing shifts in position. At a certain juncture, he held a promising fourth place, trailing just behind Jakub Vadlejch. However, a twist in the narrative occurred as Weber surged ahead, pushing Kishore Kumar a notch down. Weber’s impressive throw exceeding 85 meters reconfigured the standings and placed Kishore Jena in a closely contested position.

As the dust settles on the event, Manu DP and Kishore Kumar Jena have emerged as individuals who have demonstrated their mettle on the competitive field. Their ability to thrive under pressure, produce exceptional throws, and strive for personal bests speaks volumes about their dedication and unyielding spirit.

Both athletes have proven themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the realm of athletics, leaving spectators and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating their future performances.

Parul Chaudhary – 3000m Women’s Steeplechase (2023)

The middle-distance runner achieved an astounding feat, surpassing her personal best twice in recent days and shattering the previous national record of 9:19.76, established by Lalita Babar during the 2016 Rio Olympics. This remarkable accomplishment not only inscribed a fresh milestone in the annals of Indian athletics but also signaled a momentous stride in the runner’s own journey.

Beyond attaining a novel national record, the runner’s accomplishment bore even greater significance, as it surpassed the qualification benchmark for the impending 2024 Paris Olympics (qualification mark: 09:23.00).

Men’s 4x400m Relay Team (2023)

The Indian men’s team comprising Muhammad Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammad Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh displayed a strong performance, securing fifth place with a time of 2:59.92 in the men’s 4x400m relay finals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Impressing earlier during the qualification round, the Indian quartet broke the Asian record, previously held by Japan, with a time of 2:59.05. This achievement earned them a spot in the World Athletics Championships final — a first-ever for any Indian relay team — and also allowed them to rewrite the national record of 3:00.25 set back in 2021.

India’s performance at the World Athletics Championships might not boast an extensive list of medals, but the nation’s athletes have shown impressive determination, talent, and resilience. Anju Bobby George, Neeraj Chopra, Vikas Gowda, and the iconic PT Usha have each left an indelible mark on the world of athletics, inspiring generations of Indian athletes to pursue excellence and leave their mark on the global stage.

India competed at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where 21 athletes represented India marking the best-ever stats for the nation but a year later the mark leapfrogged to 27. As India continues to invest in sports and foster talent, the nation’s athletes are poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

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