Sachin Yadav Stuns in Javelin Final Opener: 86.27m Throw Puts Him Ahead of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem

Indian Javelin Stars Shine as Sachin Yadav Outthrows Neeraj, Nadeem in World Championships Final Opener

Tokyo, September 18, 2025 – In a thrilling start to the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships 2025, Indian newcomer Sachin Yadav has electrified the Japan National Stadium with an explosive 86.27m opening throw, surging to second place overall and overshadowing defending champion Neeraj Chopra and Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem. The unexpected surge from the 25-year-old underdog has ignited hopes of a historic Indian podium sweep, as the India-Pakistan rivalry takes center stage in Tokyo.

Early Drama: Yadav’s Shock Lead, Neeraj Steady at Second, Nadeem Trails

The final, featuring the world’s top 12 throwers, kicked off under blazing lights at the iconic venue where Neeraj Chopra clinched Olympic gold in 2021. Grenada’s two-time world champion Anderson Peters set the early benchmark with a commanding 87.38m in his second attempt, grabbing the provisional lead. But it was Yadav, making his major global final debut, who stole the show in the first round.

Throwing just before Nadeem, Yadav unleashed a personal best-equaling effort of 86.27m—surpassing his qualification mark of 83.67m from the day before—propelling him to second on the leaderboard. “This is for every young athlete back home dreaming big,” Yadav said post-throw, his fist pump echoing across the stadium packed with 50,000 fans waving Indian and Pakistani flags.

Neeraj, the 27-year-old world No. 2 and 2023 Budapest gold medalist, followed with a solid but measured 83.65m opener, slotting into second place briefly before Yadav’s heroics pushed him to fifth. The Haryana star, who qualified effortlessly yesterday with 84.85m on his first attempt, appeared composed, nodding in approval from the sidelines. “It’s a long final—plenty of rounds left to build on this,” Neeraj remarked to reporters, eyes locked on reclaiming his title.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the Paris 2024 Olympic sensation with a Games record 92.97m, struggled in his debut throw, managing 82.73m to languish in seventh. The 28-year-old, who dethroned Neeraj for gold last year, needed three attempts to qualify yesterday (best: 85.28m) and will need a big correction in the coming rounds. Their head-to-head—Neeraj’s 3-1 edge in major finals—adds electric tension to the event, with fans chanting “Neeraj! Neeraj!” clashing against “Arshad Zindabad!”

Germany’s Julian Weber, the Diamond League 2025 winner, sits fourth with 83.63m, while Kenya’s Julius Yego (82.50m est.) and Czechia’s Jakub Vadlejch round out the early contenders. The field also includes familiar names like Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott and Poland’s Dawid Wegner, all eyeing the championships record of 92.80m held by Neeraj’s coach, Jan Zelezny.

Format and Stakes: Six Throws to Glory in High-Pressure Showdown

The final follows the standard format: 12 athletes get three throws each, with the bottom four eliminated. The remaining eight advance to three more attempts, from which the best three distance the medals. With Neeraj aiming to become only the third man in history to defend a world javelin title (after Germany’s Boris Henry and Zelezny), the pressure is immense. A win would cap a stellar year for the Indian, who crossed 90m for the first time in February’s Doha Diamond League (90.23m).

Yadav’s qualification yesterday was gritty: finishing 10th overall with 83.67m after failing the automatic 84.50m mark, edging out competitors like the USA’s Curtis Thompson. For India, it’s a double delight—Neeraj and Yadav are the only two Asians in the mix alongside Nadeem and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage (82.80m qual.), marking the strongest Indian contingent since 2017.

As the second round unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Yadav can sustain his surge, Neeraj can unleash a signature 88m-plus monster throw, or Nadeem roars back to defend his Olympic crown. With India vs. Pakistan vibes amplifying the global spotlight, Tokyo’s night promises javelin drama worthy of the ages.