India's Mixed Start at World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025: Dr. C Ajithkumar's Day-by-Day Evaluation

The World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 began with high expectations for India. Over the first three days, performances revealed both promise and shortcomings across events. International athletics coach Dr. C Ajithkumar provides a detailed breakdown of India's progress and challenges.

Day 1 (September 13) - Slow Start in Endurance Events

Results:

  • 35 km Race Walk (Men): Sandeep Kumar - 23rd; Ram Baboo - Disqualified (fourth red card at 24 km).
  • 35 km Race Walk (Women): Priyanka Goswami - 24th.
  • 1500m Heats (Women): Pooja - 11th in heat, time 4:13.75, did not qualify.

Evaluation (Dr. Ajithkumar): India's opening day proved disappointing, with athletes unable to match their personal benchmarks. The race walking squad struggled in humid Tokyo conditions, while Ram Baboo's disqualification underlined technical lapses that need urgent attention. Pooja's run fell short of her season-best, reflecting nerves and pacing errors. Day 1 verdict: below expectations.

Day 2 (September 14) - Historic High Jump Qualification

Results:

  • Men's High Jump Qualification: Sarvesh Kushare - cleared 2.25m, qualified for final (first Indian male high jumper in a World Championships final).
  • 10,000m Final (Men): Gulveer Singh - finished outside top ranks.

Evaluation (Dr. Ajithkumar): Day 2 marked a breakthrough as Sarvesh Kushare made history with his qualification to the men's high jump final, demonstrating composure and consistency. Conversely, Gulveer Singh's performance in the 10,000m reinforced the gap between Indian endurance runners and global leaders. Day 2 verdict: milestone achieved, endurance gap persists.

Day 3 (September 15) - Valuable Exposure, But Results Missing

Results:

  • 3000m Steeplechase Heats (Women): Parul Chaudhary, Ankita - competed, did not qualify.
  • Long Jump Qualification (Men): Murali Sreeshankar - struggled, failed to reach final.
  • 110m Hurdles Heats (Men): Tejas Shirse - debut, eliminated in heats.

Evaluation (Dr. Ajithkumar): India's Day 3 participation expanded the nation's presence across events, but results were underwhelming. Sreeshankar could not replicate his season-best in long jump, missing a valuable opportunity. Parul and Ankita showed grit in steeplechase but fell short of qualification standards. Debutant Tejas Shirse gained experience in hurdles, though technical refinement is needed. Day 3 verdict: valuable exposure, results lacking.

Overall Takeaways (Days 1-3)

  • Positives: Sarvesh Kushare's historic high jump qualification; wider participation across walks, distance events, hurdles, and jumps; exposure for young athletes.
  • Concerns: Disqualification and weak finishes in race walking; underperformance compared to personal/season bests; endurance events reveal lack of global competitiveness.

Dr. Ajithkumar's Closing Note: "The first three days showed India's growing presence but also the gulf to world standards. With Kushare's qualification as a highlight, the next phase--especially the javelin throw--will define India's medal hopes in Tokyo."