The men’s shot put competition at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026 produced one of the standout field-event performances of the meet, with three athletes surpassing the Asian Games qualification standard in a highly competitive contest.
Leading the field was Karanveer Singh, who claimed the national title with a remarkable throw of 20.49m, registering a new lifetime best. The performance marked a significant milestone in his career, as he crossed the coveted 20-metre mark for the first time in more than four years. His breakthrough effort not only earned him the gold medal but also secured the Asian Games qualification standard.
Finishing close behind was Samardeep Gill, who delivered an impressive throw of 20.40m to take the silver medal. Consistent throughout the competition, Samardeep comfortably exceeded the qualification benchmark, further demonstrating the growing depth in Indian men’s shot put.
Completing the podium was experienced campaigner Tajinder Pal Singh Toor, who secured the bronze medal with a throw of 20.27m. The former national record holder once again showcased his ability to compete at the highest domestic level, joining Karanveer and Samardeep in breaching the Asian Games qualification mark.
The event highlighted the strength of Indian men’s shot put, with all three medal winners surpassing the required qualification standard in the same competition. Such performances underline the healthy competition within the discipline and reflect the steady progress being made by Indian throwers ahead of major international events.
Karanveer Singh’s lifetime best was undoubtedly the highlight of the competition, signaling a return to top form and rewarding years of perseverance. Meanwhile, the consistent performances of Samardeep Gill and Tajinder Pal Singh Toor ensured that the event remained one of the highest-quality field contests of the championships.
With three athletes achieving the qualification standard, the men’s shot put competition provided another encouraging boost for Indian athletics, reinforcing the country’s growing strength in the throwing events as preparations continue for the Asian Games.
The women’s javelin throw competition at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026 ended on a disappointing note for Indian athletics, as no athlete managed to achieve the Asian Games qualification standard.
Veteran thrower Annu Rani secured the national title with a best effort of 56.74m, finishing ahead of the field. However, despite claiming the gold medal, her performance fell short of the required qualification mark, leaving her without the automatic standard for the upcoming Asian Games.
The silver medal was shared in terms of distance by Karishma Sanil and Uma, both of whom recorded throws of 53.06m. While the pair delivered commendable performances to finish on the podium, they too were unable to reach the qualification benchmark.
As a result, no Indian women’s javelin thrower has qualified for the Asian Games 2026, marking a significant outcome in an event that has previously brought international success for the country. In addition, no Indian woman has earned a place in the Commonwealth Games 2026 squad in the discipline.
The result is particularly notable given Annu Rani’s achievements on the international stage. She enters this season as the reigning Asian Games champion in the women’s javelin throw, making the absence of an Indian representative in the qualification list all the more significant.
The Interstate Championships once again served as a crucial opportunity for athletes to secure qualification standards for major international events. While several disciplines witnessed multiple athletes breaching the required marks, the women’s javelin throw proved to be an exception, with the qualification standard remaining out of reach.
Although the national competition crowned a deserving champion, the overall outcome highlights the challenge facing Indian women’s javelin ahead of the upcoming international season. With no athlete meeting the required standard for either the Asian Games or the Commonwealth Games, the event concluded as one of the few disciplines where India will not have representation through qualification.
Indian high jump has a new record holder.
Sarvesh Kushare produced the performance of his career at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, clearing 2.31 metres on his third attempt to set a new Indian national record in the men’s high jump.
The Maharashtra athlete eclipsed the previous national record of 2.29m, held by Tejaswin Shankar, by two centimetres, marking one of the biggest breakthroughs in Indian track and field this season.
The record-breaking clearance was even more remarkable considering Kushare’s previous personal best stood at 2.28m. Faced with the bar at 2.31m after successfully negotiating the earlier heights, he rose to the occasion, producing a flawless clearance on his final attempt to etch his name into the record books.
The moment sparked jubilant celebrations as Kushare realised he had become the highest-ever jumper in Indian athletics history.
The achievement is the culmination of years of steady progress for the 30-year-old, who has represented India at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships. Long regarded as one of the country’s most consistent high jumpers, Kushare had repeatedly come close to rewriting the national record before finally breaking through in spectacular fashion.
The previous mark of 2.29m, set by Tejaswin Shankar, had stood as the benchmark for Indian high jumping. Kushare has now taken the event to a new level, becoming the first Indian to clear 2.30 metres and beyond in competition.
The timing of the performance could hardly have been better. With the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games fast approaching, the new national record sends a strong message that Indian high jumping is entering a new phase, with Kushare carrying outstanding form into the biggest competitions of the year.
Beyond the record itself, the performance is another encouraging sign for Indian athletics, which has witnessed a series of national records and Asian Games qualification marks during the Inter-State Championships.
On a memorable evening in Bhubaneswar, however, one performance stood above the rest.
2.31 metres.
A new national record.
A new benchmark for Indian high jump.
And a historic leap by Sarvesh Kushare.
The women’s discus throw competition at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026 delivered another impressive chapter for Indian athletics, with three athletes surpassing the Asian Games qualification standard in a high-quality contest.
Leading the field was Seema, who once again demonstrated her consistency and dominance by winning the gold medal with a best throw of 59.73m. The performance not only secured the national title but also reaffirmed her status as one of India’s premier discus throwers. Seema has already been named in India’s squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and her latest performance further strengthens her preparations for international competition.
The silver medal was claimed by Sanya Yadav, who produced a remarkable throw of 56.05m to register a new personal best. It marked her second consecutive lifetime best, highlighting the rapid progress she has made this season. By breaching the Asian Games qualification standard, Sanya announced herself as one of the country’s rising talents in the discipline.
Completing the podium was Nidhi, who threw 55.92m to secure the bronze medal while also surpassing the qualification mark. Like Seema, Nidhi has already earned a place in India’s Commonwealth Games squad, and her qualification-standard performance at the Interstate Championships reinforced her consistency on the national circuit.
Having three athletes achieve the Asian Games qualification benchmark in a single competition reflects the increasing depth and quality of Indian women’s discus. The event showcased both experienced performers and emerging talent, providing a positive sign for the country’s prospects in major international competitions.
The Interstate Championships continue to serve as a crucial platform for athletes aiming to secure qualification standards and build momentum ahead of the international season. With Seema maintaining her dominance, Sanya Yadav continuing her impressive rise through consecutive personal bests, and Nidhi delivering another strong performance, the women’s discus competition stood out as one of the highlights of the championships.
The men’s hammer throw competition at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026 witnessed a strong display from India’s leading throwers, with Damneet Singh and Praveen Kumar both surpassing the Asian Games qualification standard.
Damneet Singh led the way with an impressive throw of 69.72m, producing one of his best performances of the season. His effort comfortably cleared the qualification mark, reinforcing his position among India’s top hammer throw athletes and strengthening his case for selection to the upcoming Asian Games.
Close behind was Praveen Kumar, who also delivered an outstanding performance with a throw of 69.58m. His effort likewise exceeded the qualification standard, ensuring that two Indian athletes reached the required benchmark during the same competition.
The performances by Damneet and Praveen highlighted the growing competitiveness of the men’s hammer throw in India. With both athletes producing qualification-standard throws at the national championships, the event reflected the increasing depth in the discipline and the positive momentum Indian athletics continues to build ahead of major international competitions.
Domestic championships have consistently provided athletes with the opportunity to showcase their form under competitive conditions, and the Interstate Championships once again proved to be an important platform for securing qualification marks. Both throwers capitalised on the occasion, delivering performances that met the required standard when it mattered most.
For Damneet Singh, the 69.72m effort demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform on the national stage, while Praveen Kumar’s 69.58m throw underlined his readiness to challenge among the country’s best. Together, their qualification-standard performances provide encouraging signs for Indian athletics as preparations continue for the Asian Games.
With two athletes breaching the qualification mark in the same competition, the men’s hammer throw emerged as another event that showcased India’s improving standards in the field disciplines. Their performances add further optimism to the country’s growing strength in the throws as the international season approaches.
The women’s shot put competition at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026 turned into a showcase of India’s growing strength in the event, as three athletes surpassed the Asian Games qualification standard of 16.25m in an impressive display of depth and quality.
Leading the field was Manpreet Kaur, who delivered a commanding performance to claim the gold medal with a season-best throw of 17.75m. The effort not only secured victory but also stands as India’s best women’s shot put mark of the season. Consistent throughout the competition, Manpreet demonstrated why she remains one of the country’s leading throwers, producing the standout performance of the event.
The battle for the remaining podium positions was equally competitive. Krishna Jayasankar secured the silver medal with a throw of 16.96m, comfortably surpassing the Asian Games qualification standard and reinforcing her credentials at the national level.
Joining her at the same distance was Srishti Vig, who produced a personal best of 16.96m to finish with the bronze medal. The performance marked a significant milestone in her career, as she not only earned a place on the podium but also achieved the qualification standard for the Asian Games while setting a new lifetime best.
The competition highlighted the encouraging progress being made in Indian women’s shot put. Having three athletes exceed the qualification benchmark in a single event reflects the increasing depth and competitiveness within the discipline. Such performances are a positive sign for Indian athletics as preparations continue for major international competitions.
The results also underline the importance of domestic championships in providing athletes with the platform to deliver breakthrough performances. With Manpreet Kaur producing the country’s best throw of the season and both Krishna Jayasankar and Srishti Vig achieving the qualification standard, the event proved to be one of the most successful women’s shot put contests of the championships.
The strong performances offer optimism for Indian athletics, with multiple athletes now emerging as contenders on the continental stage.
Karnataka’s Sindhushree G produced a career-defining performance at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2026, rewriting the women’s pole vault national record with a sensational clearance of 4.25m.
The 25-year-old athlete delivered the standout performance during the competition, surpassing her previous personal best of 4.00m by an impressive 25 centimeters. The mark not only established a new national record but also secured her qualification for the upcoming Asian Games.
Sindhushree’s achievement carries additional significance on the continental stage. Her clearance of 4.25m currently ranks as the fifth-best performance in Asia this season, underlining her growing stature among the continent’s leading pole vaulters.
The emotional moment was made even more special by the athlete’s heartfelt tribute to her late father. Reflecting on her record-breaking jump, Sindhushree said, “When I cleared the height, I knew my father was supporting me from heaven.” The statement captured the personal significance of the achievement and added a touching dimension to one of the championship’s most memorable performances.
Competing against a strong field, Sindhushree displayed exceptional composure and confidence throughout the event. Her successful clearance at 4.25m represented not only a national milestone but also a breakthrough moment in her own athletic journey. The substantial improvement from her previous best demonstrates the progress she has made and signals the potential for even greater heights in the future.
With the new national record, Asian Games qualification secured, and a place among Asia’s top performers this season, Sindhushree has firmly established herself as one of India’s premier field-event athletes. Her achievement is another significant boost for Indian athletics and highlights the growing strength of pole vaulting in the country.
As preparations begin for future international competitions, Sindhushree G’s historic performance at the Interstate Championships will be remembered as a landmark moment in Indian women’s pole vault history.
Indian pole vault sensation Dev Meena continued his remarkable rise by breaking the men’s national record once again at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026, clearing 5.46 m to set a new Indian mark.
The performance not only earned Meena another national record but also secured the Asian Games 2026 qualification standard, further cementing his status as one of India’s most exciting field event athletes.
This latest achievement marks Meena’s second consecutive national record-breaking performance, highlighting his rapid progression in the event. Even more remarkably, it is the fifth time the Indian men’s pole vault national record has been improved in less than two years, reflecting the unprecedented growth of the discipline in the country.
Meena’s consistent record-breaking performances have transformed the landscape of Indian pole vaulting. With every competition, the young vaulter continues to push the boundaries of what was once considered possible in Indian athletics.
His 5.46m clearance adds another chapter to what has become a genuine pole vault revolution in India.
For now, the spotlight firmly belongs to Dev Meena, who has once again rewritten the national record books and reaffirmed his position as India’s leading pole vaulter.
Indian athletics witnessed the emergence of a new star as 18-year-old Anushka Yadav delivered a stunning performance at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026, rewriting the national record in the women’s hammer throw.
Anushka unleashed a massive throw of 65.64m, breaking the previous Indian national record and registering a huge personal best in the process. The remarkable effort also helped her comfortably achieve the qualification standard for the 2026 Asian Games, marking a breakthrough moment in her young career.
The teenager’s record-breaking throw is currently ranked as the 13th-best performance in Asia this season, highlighting her rapid rise among the continent’s top hammer throwers and reinforcing her status as one of India’s most exciting athletics prospects.
The achievement is particularly significant given Anushka’s age. At just 18, she has already entered the national record books while demonstrating the potential to compete at the highest level in Asia.
Her performance was one of the standout moments of the Interstate Championships and provides a major boost to India’s hopes in the women’s hammer throw ahead of the Asian Games cycle.
India’s top pole vaulters will be in action today at 16:30 IST at the Interstate Athletics Championships 2026, with the Asian Games qualification mark on the line.
Elite Line-up:
1⃣ Dev Meena – 5.45m (NR)
2⃣ Kuldeep Yadav – 5.45m (NR)
3⃣ Reegan Ganesh – 5.35m
4⃣ M Gowtham – 5.20m.
In their last competition, both Dev Meena and Kuldeep Yadav broke the national record and now jointly hold it at 5.45m.
The men’s pole vault national record has been improved four times since last season, rising from 5.31m to 5.45m — a remarkable leap for the event in India.
The Asian Games qualification standard also stands at 5.45m, meaning athletes will need to match or better that mark here to secure their ticket to the Games.
What are your predictions?
Can we witness another national record today?
