Ashish Yadav wins javelin silver as India opens medal account at World U20 Championships

India opened its medal tally at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with 19-year-old javelin thrower Ashish Yadav securing silver with a best effort of 74.09 metres.

Yadav produced his top throw in his third attempt to finish second in the men's javelin final.

South Africa's Jan-Hendrik Heymans clinched gold with an 80.50m effort in his sixth and final attempt, while Dominica's James took bronze with 73.89m.

Yadav's silver makes him only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to win a silver medal in men's javelin at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

Chopra won gold at the 2016 edition in Poland, setting the still-standing world junior record of 86.48m.

India's other competitor in the event, T Dharanidharan, finished sixth with a best throw of 72.35m.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated Yadav on his achievement. In a post on X, Dhami praised the youngster's talent, hard work and dedication, while wishing him success in the future.

India entered the championships after a strong showing at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, where the country finished second behind China with a record 19-medal haul, including 10 gold medals.

Among India's other athletes to watch is 19-year-old Pooja, who won the women's high jump title at the Asian U20 Championships with a clearance of 1.93m. Her effort set a new senior national record, surpassing Sahana Kumari's 1.92m mark from 2012.

It also broke the championship record that had stood since 2006 and earned her qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she finished eighth.

Asian U20 champions Nitin Gupta and Shahnavaz Khan are also among India's medal contenders. Gupta won the men's 5000m race walk title in Hong Kong, while Shahnavaz claimed gold in the men's long jump.