In Athletics, Olympian Annu Rani won the women’s javelin throw title at the Indian Open 2025 World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha yesterday. 

 

 

She recorded a best throw of 62.01 meters, comfortably beating Sri Lanka’s NDL Hatarabag Leka 56.27 meters and India’s Deepika 54.20 meters. This marks a strong return for Annu, who had earlier thrown 62.59 meters in Poland her best in nearly two years.

 

 

In the men’s javelin throw, India’s Shivam Lohakare secured the silver medal with a throw of 80.73 meters. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold with an impressive throw of 86.50 meters, surpassing the World Championships qualifying mark of 85.50 meters. Another Sri Lankan, Sumeda J Ranasinghe, took bronze with a throw of 80.65 meters.

 

 

Meanwhile, India’s Murali Sreeshankar claimed the men’s long jump title with a season-best of 8.13 meters on his final attempt. Shahnavaz Khan came second with 8.04 meters, joining India’s 8 meters club, and Lokesh Sathyanathan was third with 7.85 meters. This win extended Sreeshankar’s streak to four consecutive titles following his return from injury.

 

 

The Indian Open 2025 marked India’s first time hosting a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level meet. The event provided valuable ranking points for athletes aiming to qualify for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.