On a warm September evening at the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025 in Rajgir, Indian athletics witnessed a defining moment. Shivam Lohakare, a 20-year-old with dreams made true from hard work and relentless discipline, produced a stunning throw of 84.31 m, breaking the Services record previously held by Neeraj Chopra. The moment was historic. Chopra’s Services best, an 83.80 m throw from 2018, had stood unchallenged for years. Lohakare not only surpassed it but also stamped his presence on India’s growing javelin legacy. 

Neeraj Chopra’s Golden Nod

What made the achievement even more special was the recognition it earned from Lohakare’s idol himself. Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic champion and global icon, congratulated the youngster on social media.His words carried more than just praise; they were a symbolic passing of the torch, showing how one generation of athletes inspires and uplifts the next. For Lohakare, hearing from the man who transformed Indian athletics was a dream come true. For Indian fans, it was a heartwarming reminder of the human bond between mentor and admirer, even if the mentorship is indirect.

What is the Inter Services Athletics Championship?

The Inter Services Athletics Championship is an annual athletics tournament where athletes from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force compete against each other. It is one of the oldest and most respected sporting events in the Services, designed to promote fitness, teamwork, and sporting excellence among the armed forces. Many top Indian athletes, including Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, have showcased their skills in this competition during their time with the Services. The tournament not only provides a platform for discovering new talent but also plays a key role in strengthening India’s sporting culture through the discipline and dedication of its servicemen.

Consistency on the Rise

Shivam Lohakare’s record throw was not just a lucky day; he has been in great form all through 2025. In April, he achieved a personal best of 80.95 m at the Indian Open Athletics Meet in Pune. The very next month in Bhubaneswar, he won a silver medal with a throw of 80.73 m at the Indian Open, which was also his first big senior international competition. Then, in September at Rajgir, he went even further by breaking Neeraj Chopra’s Services record with a huge 84.31 m throw. In total, Lohakare has crossed the 80m mark four times this season, showing not only his talent but also his steady improvement and growing confidence.

Walking in Neeraj’s Footsteps

Crossing 80 m in javelin once seemed like an impossible mountain for Indian athletes. Today, it’s becoming a more common achievement, but that does not make it any less special. As of 2025, 16 Indian throwers have crossed the 80 m mark, with eight of them achieving it in the last three years. Yet Lohakare’s achievement stands out. At just 20, he is the second-youngest Indian to breach 80 m, only behind Neeraj Chopra, before going on to win the historic Tokyo Olympic gold in 2021. This parallel creates a narrative of continuity, with one champion inspiring the rise of another, proving how role models can shape sporting cultures.

India’s Growing Javelin Depth

India’s athletics has long searched for identity beyond cricket. Thanks to Neeraj Chopra, “javelin” suddenly became a household term. Stadiums filled, TV viewership surged, and young kids started picking up javelins instead of cricket bats. Lohakare’s rise is proof that this was not a one-man story. The sport is gaining depth. The fact that multiple Indians are now consistently performing above 80 m shows that India is building a competitive field, not just celebrating one icon. For World Athletics, such developments mark India as a serious contender in future global meets—from the Asian Games to the Olympics.

What Lies Ahead

The road from here will not be easy. The Rajgir record may not count officially, but it has lit a fire that cannot be ignored. To establish himself globally, Lohakare will need to replicate and surpass this performance at certified meets and world stages. India will be watching him closely. His next targets will likely be the World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. If he continues this trajectory, Lohakare could very well become the next big face of Indian athletics .