Injuries, setbacks and breakthrough: Sachin Yadav’s javelin career hits new peak in Tokyo

Sachin Yadav produced the performance of his career so far on Thursday, finishing fourth in the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with a personal best throw of 86.27m.

The 25-year-old World Athletics Championships debutant not only outshone seasoned names such as Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and compatriot Neeraj Chopra, but also became India’s sole athlete past the fifth round.

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Yadav’s opening throw of 86.27m stood as his best, keeping him in medal contention before he narrowly missed the podium. Keshorn Walcott (88.16m) claimed gold, Anderson Peters (87.38m) silver, and Curtis Thompson (USA) bronze.

Chopra, meanwhile, ended eighth with 84.03m. For Yadav, the near-podium finish is the latest jewel in a career marked by resilience and constant improvement. Hailing from Khekra village in Uttar Pradesh, he first came to javelin at 19, when neighbour and former athlete Sandeep Yadav encouraged him to train after spotting his potential during a cricket match. His progress was briefly derailed in 2021, when he fractured his throwing elbow twice.

At the brink of giving up, it was his family that convinced him to persevere. By 2024, Yadav had begun to establish himself. He struck gold at the Indian Grand Prix 3 in Bengaluru with 82.69m, followed by silver at the National Open Athletics Championships (79.80m). Another breakthrough came at the All India Police Athletics Championships in November 2024, where, representing Uttar Pradesh Police, he shattered a 30-year-old meet record with 84.21m. That Momentum carried into 2025 as well. At the 38th National Games in Dehradun this February, Yadav claimed gold with 84.39m, a new Games record, surpassing Rajendra Singh’s 82.23m. That victory also secured him qualification for the Asian Athletics Championships, though he fell short of the 85.50m mark required for automatic entry into the Worlds.

With his 86.27m effort in Tokyo, Yadav not only extended his run of throws beyond 80m but also confirmed his place among the sport’s rising names with a new personal best. From a late start to overcoming setbacks, his steady climb continues, with the promise of more to come.