Himanshu Jakhar Makes History with U-18 Asian Javelin Gold

Himanshu Jakhar has etched his name in Indian athletics history by winning the country's first-ever gold medal in boys' javelin throw at the U-18 Asian Athletics Championships in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The 17-year-old from Haryana delivered a standout performance on the final day of competition, hurling the javelin to a personal best distance of 67.57m with his very first attempt. This impressive throw comfortably secured him the gold medal ahead of China's Lu Hao (63.45m) and Uzbekistan's Ruslan Sadullaev (61.96m).

Jakhar, who had been training alongside Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and legendary coach Jan Zelezny in South Africa, improved upon his previous personal best of 66.66m set in February. 

Himanshu has shown great performance with the 700gm javelin, recording 74.56m at the National Junior Athletics Championships in December 2024. Himanshu 's gold medal was highlight of the event as India secured total of 11 medals. Although the number of medals is significant less than 24 medals in 2023.

Other notable Indian performances included Nitin Gupta's silver in the boys' 5000m race walk, missing gold by just 0.01 seconds, and Nischay's double medal achievement with silver in shot put (19.59m) and bronze in discus throw (58.85m). 

The boys' medley relay team of Chiranth P, Sayed Sabeer, Saket Minj, and Kadir Khan set a new youth national record of 1:52.15 while claiming silver. In the high jump, Devak Bhushan secured silver with a 2.03m leap.

Himanshu Jakhar's historic achievement make Haryana proud. Himanshu's achievement continues Haryana 's proud tradition of producing world- class javelin throwers.

 

 

 

 

 

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