The curtains have closed on the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, with the United States reaffirming its global dominance by topping the medal table with a staggering haul of 33 medals, including 15 golds. Kenya followed with a strong performance, securing second place with 9 golds and a total of 21 medals. Meanwhile, India’s contingent returned home empty-handed, raising questions about the country’s preparedness and long-term strategy in elite track and field competition.
Held from September 13 to 21, the Tokyo edition of the Championships witnessed record-breaking performances, dramatic finishes, and emerging stars from across continents. With over 190 nations participating, the event showcased the evolving landscape of global athletics, where traditional powerhouses were challenged by rising nations, but also where gaps in infrastructure and athlete development were laid bare.
India sent a 27-member squad, including Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, long jumper Jeswin Aldrin, and sprinter Hima Das. However, none of the athletes managed to reach the finals in their respective events, barring Chopra, who finished fifth in the men’s javelin throw with a best of 84.12m—well below his season average.
World Athletics Championships 2025 – Top 10 Medal Table
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 15 | 10 | 8 | 33 |
| 2 | Kenya | 9 | 7 | 5 | 21 |
| 3 | Jamaica | 7 | 4 | 6 | 17 |
| 4 | China | 6 | 5 | 4 | 15 |
| 5 | Great Britain | 5 | 6 | 3 | 14 |
| 6 | Ethiopia | 4 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| 7 | Germany | 3 | 4 | 4 | 11 |
| 8 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| 9 | Japan | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 10 | Brazil | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
India’s best chance came in the men’s 4x400m relay, where the team qualified for the semifinals but failed to progress further due to a baton exchange error. The women’s 100m and 200m events saw early exits for Hima Das and Dutee Chand, while long jumper Aldrin struggled with fouls and finished 11th in the qualification round.
India’s Performance Overview – World Athletics Championships 2025
| Athlete Name | Event | Result | Rank | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | Men’s Javelin Throw | 84.12m | 5th | Below season best |
| Jeswin Aldrin | Men’s Long Jump | 7.89m (fouls) | 11th Q | Did not qualify for finals |
| Hima Das | Women’s 200m | 23.84s | 6th Heat | Did not advance |
| Dutee Chand | Women’s 100m | 11.52s | 5th Heat | Eliminated in first round |
| Men’s 4x400m Team | Relay | DNF (baton error) | — | Semifinal exit |
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has acknowledged the disappointing outcome and announced a review committee to assess preparation gaps, coaching standards, and athlete support systems. AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said, “We need to rethink our approach. The talent is there, but the execution and consistency are lacking. We will work closely with SAI and the Ministry to revamp our elite training programs.”
Experts believe India’s lack of medals is symptomatic of deeper structural issues—limited exposure to international competition, inconsistent coaching, and inadequate sports science integration. While countries like Kenya and Jamaica continue to produce world-class athletes through grassroots programs and specialized academies, India’s reliance on sporadic talent has failed to yield sustained success.
Global Trends in Athletics – Lessons for India
| Country | Key Strengths | Replicable Models for India |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Collegiate system, sports science | NCAA-style university leagues |
| Kenya | Altitude training, endurance culture | High-altitude camps in Uttarakhand |
| Jamaica | Sprint academies, school competitions | Inter-school sprint leagues |
| China | State-funded athlete pipeline | Centralized scouting and training |
| Ethiopia | Long-distance dominance, rural talent | Tribal and rural athlete outreach |
Despite the setback, India’s athletics community remains hopeful. With the Paris Olympics less than a year away, focus will now shift to Olympic qualifiers and the Asian Athletics Championships scheduled for early 2026. Neeraj Chopra, speaking after his event, said, “I’m disappointed, but not discouraged. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
The Tokyo edition of the Championships also saw several world records tumble. American sprinter Noah Lyles clocked 9.72s in the men’s 100m final, setting a new championship record. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon stunned the field with a 3:49.11 finish in the women’s 1500m, while China’s Liu Hong reclaimed her dominance in race walking with a gold in the 20km event.
World Records and Highlights – Tokyo 2025
| Event | Athlete Name | Country | Record Time/Distance | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s 100m | Noah Lyles | USA | 9.72s | 9.76s |
| Women’s 1500m | Faith Kipyegon | Kenya | 3:49.11 | 3:50.07 |
| Men’s Pole Vault | Armand Duplantis | Sweden | 6.23m | 6.22m |
| Women’s 20km Race Walk | Liu Hong | China | 1:25:34 | 1:26:23 |
As the dust settles on Tokyo’s tracks and fields, the message is clear: global athletics is evolving rapidly, and nations must adapt or risk falling behind. For India, the 2025 World Championships may be a wake-up call—but also an opportunity to rebuild, refocus, and rise.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports data, athlete interviews, and federation statements. It does not reflect any official endorsement or opinion. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
