World Athletics Championships 2025 Day 5 Wrap: Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav move into javelin final; Animesh Kujur out

Neeraj Chopra and Sachin Yadav kept India’s medal hope alive in Tokyo.

Day 5 of the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo finally brought hope of a medal for India as two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and Sachin Yadav qualified for the men’s javelin throw final. However, the rest of the Indian contingent, including Abdulla Aboobacker and Animesh Kujur, fell short in their respective events.

The day started with the men’s triple jump qualification, where India had two representatives: the Asian Championships 2025 silver medallist Praveen Chithravel and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Abdulla Aboobacker.

Also Read: India at World Athletics Championships 2025 Day 5 highlights

But unfortunately, Chithravel struggled with his rhythm and finished 15th overall with a best jump of 16.74m. Meanwhile, Aboobacker could not find his mark either, managing 16.33m to finish 24th. As only the top 12 advanced for the finals, both Indians missed out on the final.

One throw is all it takes. 🎯Reigning champion Neeraj Chopra soars into the World Athletics Championships final with an 84.85m throw on his very first attempt. 🔥🎥 Inspire Institute of Sportpic.twitter.com/ZXnL90JcdQ

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 17, 2025

India’s focus then shifted to the sport they had their golden boy in, javelin. Four throwers took part. The defending champion Neeraj was placed in Group A along with Sachin. The other two Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav was in Group B.

The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Chopra showed his class early breaching the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m on his very first attempt, recording 84.85m to sail into Thursday’s final.

Sachin could not earn the direct qualification with his best throw of 83.67m finishing fifth in the group. However, his effort was good enough to place him 10th overall and earn a spot in the final.

The 25-year-old, who had won silver at the Asian Championships earlier this year, will now line up alongside Neeraj in the medal round.

Also Read: Sarvesh Kushare finishes sixth with new PB in men’s high jump

While in Group B, Rohit managed 77.81m while Yashvir’s best effort came at 77.51m finishing 14th and 15th and failing to qualify.

Group B also saw some of Neeraj’s biggest rivals posing threats. Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem produced a last attempt throw of 85.28m to qualify ahead of Chopra.

Meanwhile, Anders Petersons announced his return in style with a superb 89.53m throw, making him one of the top contenders for gold. Nadeem finished fifth overall, one place above Neeraj.

On the track, India’s Animesh Kujur had a tough outing in the men’s 200m heats. The national record holder clocked 20.77s to finish ninth in his heat and 42nd overall. The qualification mark was set at 20.16s. Kujur who made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the event could not qualify for semi-finals.

Also Read: Animesh Kujur finishes ninth in men’s 200m qualification at World Athletics Championships 2025

World Athletics Championships 2025 Day 5 India results

Men’s Triple Jump Qualification

• Praveen Chithravel – 16.74m, finished 15th, did not qualify
• Abdulla Aboobacker – 16.33m, finished 24th, did not qualify

Men’s Javelin Throw Qualification

• Neeraj Chopra – 84.85m, qualified directly for final
• Sachin Yadav – 83.67m, finished 10th overall, qualified for final
• Rohit Yadav – 77.81m, finished 14th in Group B, did not qualify
• Yashvir Singh – 77.51m, finished 15th in Group B, did not qualify

Men’s 200m Heats

• Animesh Kujur – 20.77s, 9th in his heat, 42nd overall, did not qualify for semi-finals

India’s Day 6 schedule with event timings (IST)

• 3:50 PM: Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav (Men’s Javelin Throw Final)
• 4:25 PM: Pooja (Women’s 800m Heats)

Looking ahead, Day 6 promises high drama for India. The men’s javelin throw final will take place at around 3:50 pm at the Japan National Stadium, where Neeraj Chopra and Sachin Yadav will look to end India’s medal drought. Also, Pooja will compete in the women’s 800m heats.

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