Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav is setting his sights firmly on breaching the coveted 80-metre mark at the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic. As he intensifies his training in the build-up to the tournament, Yadav highlighted that staying injury-free remains his top priority for the season.
Speaking to reporters during a training session at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala, the 23-year-old athlete revealed that his preparations are on track, and he is confident of producing his personal best at the prestigious meet named after Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.
Eyeing The 80-Metre Barrier
“My main aim is to cross 80 metres at the Neeraj Chopra Classic. I know I have the potential to do it. It’s about timing the throw perfectly and ensuring my body remains strong and flexible,” Yadav said.
The 80m mark remains a psychological and competitive benchmark for Indian javelin throwers, with Neeraj Chopra consistently throwing above 85m and compatriot Kishore Jena recently breaching 81m at the Federation Cup.
Recent Performances And Road To Recovery
Rohit Yadav has been a promising talent in India’s javelin contingent. However, he has faced injury setbacks that hampered his consistency over the last two seasons.
| Event | Best Throw (2024-25) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Federation Cup 2024 | 77.21m | 3rd |
| National Inter-State 2024 | 76.18m | 2nd |
| Asian Athletics Trials 2025 | 78.02m | 4th |
In 2023, Yadav underwent surgery for a shoulder ligament injury that forced him to miss the Hangzhou Asian Games. Since then, he has been focusing on rehabilitation and gradual build-up to regain full strength in his throwing arm.
“Injuries have taught me to listen to my body. I do not want to rush. My goal is to build slowly towards the Olympic qualifiers later this year,” he said.
Training With Neeraj Chopra’s Team
Rohit Yadav has been training under coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz alongside Neeraj Chopra at NIS Patiala. Sharing his experience, he added:
“Training with Neeraj bhai is inspiring. His focus and dedication are on another level. Watching him perfect every throw teaches us discipline.”
Yadav is focusing on:
- Shoulder Strengthening: Resistance band and stability drills.
- Core Stability: Advanced plank variations, rotational medicine ball throws.
- Run-Up Technique: Improving final stride speed and hip drive.
- Recovery: Physiotherapy, ice baths, and mobility drills.
The Importance Of Staying Injury-Free
Indian javelin throwers have often faced recurrent injuries due to high-impact stress on the shoulder, elbow, and lower back.
“My main goal this season is to remain injury-free. If my body remains fit, I am confident of consistent 80m+ throws. There is no bigger motivation than representing India at the highest level,” said Yadav.
| Top Indian Javelin Throwers (2025) | Best Throws This Season |
|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | 89.42m |
| Kishore Jena | 81.23m |
| Rohit Yadav | 78.02m |
| DP Manu | 77.80m |
Neeraj Chopra Classic: A New Platform For Indian Throwers
The Neeraj Chopra Classic, organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), is set to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, later this month. It is part of AFI’s initiative to give India’s top athletes exposure to world-class competitive environments domestically.
The event will feature:
- Javelin Throw (Men and Women)
- Shot Put
- Discus Throw
- Long Jump
- Triple Jump
International athletes from Czech Republic, Germany, and Sri Lanka have been invited to elevate competition standards.
Rohit Yadav’s Message For Young Athletes
Yadav, who hails from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, encouraged aspiring javelin throwers to prioritise technique and injury prevention over immediate results.
“Train with patience, trust your coach, and focus on strengthening your weak areas. Results will come when you respect the process,” he said.
Road Ahead: Olympic Qualifiers And Asian Championships
Post the Neeraj Chopra Classic, Rohit Yadav will aim to qualify for:
- Paris Olympic Games 2026 Qualifiers – minimum standard of 85m.
- Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok – critical for ranking points.
- Diamond League Leg (if selected) – exposure to global competition.
Expert Views On Rohit Yadav’s Prospects
Athletics coach Uwe Hohn, who earlier trained Neeraj Chopra, commented:
“Rohit has strong natural biomechanics for javelin. If he builds his upper body strength further and improves his block (final landing leg action), he can breach 82-83m consistently.”
Conclusion
As India’s javelin throw ecosystem continues to thrive under Neeraj Chopra’s inspirational leadership, athletes like Rohit Yadav are determined to convert their potential into medals. For Yadav, an 80m throw at the Neeraj Chopra Classic will not just be a personal milestone but a statement of his comeback on the national stage. However, he knows that only a fit and healthy body can take him there, and he is prepared to prioritise longevity over short-term glory as he aspires to represent India on the grandest athletics stages in the world.
