After a somewhat subdued performance by Indian athletes at the recent World Championships in Tokyo, the upcoming National Open Championships in Ranchi presents a fresh opportunity. Starting this Saturday at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Morabadi, over 700 athletes are ready to conclude their season on a high note and prove their potential.
While India missed out on a medal for the first time in six years at the World Championships, with prominent names like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, Asian Games champion Annu Rani, and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh performing below expectations, a few stars still managed to shine. Javelin thrower Sachin Yadav impressed with a fourth-place finish (86.27m), high jumper Sarvesh Kushare soared to sixth (2.28m), and middle-distance runner Pooja clocked a personal best in the 800m heats (2:01.03). These three athletes, in particular, demonstrated significant improvement on the global stage.
Sarvesh Kushare and Pooja are expected to be key attractions at the Ranchi meet, adding excitement despite potential rain threats. This championship holds particular importance as the Athletics Federation of India plans to select the top six sprinters for the 2026 Asian Games 4x100m relay team. Two additional spots will be filled based on overall performance throughout 2025.
The men’s 100m sprint promises thrilling competition, featuring former National record holders Manikanta Hoblidhar and Amiya Mallick, along with Fed Cup champion Pranav Gurav, reigning champion Lalu Prasad Bhoi, Amlan Borgohain, and Inter-state champion S. Tamil Arasu. However, National record holder Animesh Kujur (10.18) and Gurindervir Singh (10.20) will unfortunately be absent.
In the women’s 100m, keep an eye on Srabani Nanda, Nithya Gandhe, and Abinaya Rajarajan as they vie for top honors. The javelin throw event will also be fiercely contested, with Worlds participants Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, alongside Vikrant Malik and Shivam Lohakare, all aiming for strong performances. Meanwhile, the pole vault could offer some compelling action, with National record holder Dev Meena (5.40m), joint inter-State champions M. Gowtham and G. Reegan (5.20m), and former National record holder Siva S. (5.31m) all capable of impressive feats.
Other notable athletes participating include Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), who competed in Tokyo, shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, quartermilers Rajesh Ramesh and Kiran Pahal, and 2018 Asian Games heptathlon champion Swapna Barman, making a highly anticipated comeback. Interestingly, some athletes returning to action have recently completed suspensions for doping, adding another layer of intrigue to the championships.