CHASING GLOBAL GLORY

The previous two editions of the World Athletics Championships have been a happy hunting ground for India, courtesy Neeraj Chopra. Until then, the country's lone medal at the event was Anju Bobby George's long jump bronze in 2003. Chopra took silver in 2022 and bettered it to gold the following year. Come September 13, the javelin throw exponent will be back in the spotlight, a favourite to medal in the 16-member contingent. Here are the top contenders in Japan

- Shail Desai

ANIMESH KUJUR

The first Indian sprinter to have qualified, Animesh Kujur bettered the national marks for the 100 and 200m—the latter fetching him bronze at the Asian Championships. Finishing just outside of the podium places in the 200m of the under-23 Monaco Diamond League in July, he appears ready to take on the best.

PRAVEEN CHITHRAVEL