Sachin Yadav, a 25-year-old javelin thrower from Uttar Pradesh, India, has been making headlines after qualifying for the World Athletics Championships final in Tokyo. He will be competing alongside Neeraj Chopra, India's celebrated javelin star. Yadav's journey to the global stage has been marked by rapid improvement and dedication.
Yadav secured his place in the final with a throw of 83.67 meters in the qualification round. This achievement marks his maiden qualification for the World Athletics Championship. At the same stadium where Neeraj Chopra won his Olympic gold in 2021, Yadav's performance has drawn attention to India's growing strength in javelin.
Before finding his passion for javelin, Yadav, who stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches, had aspirations of becoming a cricketer, idolizing M.S. Dhoni and Jasprit Bumrah. However, on the advice of a family member, he transitioned to athletics, a decision that has proven fruitful.
Early Career and Breakthroughs
Yadav's ascent in the world of javelin began in 2024. At the 63rd National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru, he crossed the 80-meter mark with a throw of 80.04 meters, winning gold. This performance signaled his emergence as a promising athlete. In November 2024, representing the Uttar Pradesh Police, Yadav broke a 30-year-old record at the All India Police Athletic Championships with a throw of 84.21 meters.
Continued Success in 2025
Yadav's momentum continued into 2025. He won gold at the National Games in Dehradun with a throw of 84.39 meters. He also secured a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, with a personal best of 85.16 meters. At the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, Yadav competed against seasoned athletes, including Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, and his performance placed him among the top javelin throwers in Asia.
These achievements have placed him in the company of Neeraj Chopra, Shivpal Singh, and Kishore Jena as the fourth Indian javelin thrower to surpass the 85-meter mark.
World Athletics Championships 2025
At the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Neeraj Chopra qualified for the final with a throw of 84.85m in his first attempt. Sachin Yadav joined him, securing his spot with an 83.67m throw. However, other Indian athletes, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh, did not qualify for the final.
During the qualification round, Yadav's initial throw was 80.16m, followed by an improved 83.67m. Although he did not meet the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m, his performance was enough to place him among the top 12 throwers.
The final of the World Athletics Championships 2025 is set for September 18, 2025, at 4:30 PM IST. Yadav's participation marks a significant moment for Indian athletics, showcasing the country's growing talent in javelin.
Towards Future Goals
Sachin Yadav's rise in the javelin world is a testament to his dedication and hard work. From breaking records in police athletic meets to securing medals in international championships, Yadav has consistently improved his performance. As he prepares for the World Athletics Championships final alongside Neeraj Chopra, his journey from a cricket enthusiast to a javelin contender serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across India.
