At the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025, a new star emerged in Indian athletics. Young javelin thrower Lohakare stunned spectators by producing a throw of 84.31m, breaking the long-standing Services record set by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in 2018 (83.80m).
The achievement carries special significance, as Lohakare has long cited Chopra as his inspiration. To surpass his idol’s record on such a stage underlines both his talent and India’s growing depth in the javelin discipline.
However, the record will not be recognized by World Athletics, since the Inter Services meet is a non-certified event. Despite this, Lohakare’s performance is already being hailed as a potential stepping stone to international success.
India has seen an unprecedented surge in javelin throw talent following Chopra’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic triumph, and Lohakare’s rise further cements the nation’s strength in the discipline.
Athletics Federation officials and coaches are expected to closely monitor Lohakare’s progression as he eyes bigger stages, including certified national and international competitions.
With his 84.31m throw, Lohakare has signaled his arrival — and hinted that India’s javelin story is only just beginning.
