Young Stars Break Records at Indian Open U23 Athletics
India's talented young track and field stars shattered four meet records at the 6th Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur buzzed with cheers and swift footsteps as young sports stars showed off their incredible power and stamina. The energetic Indian Open U23 Athletics competition concluded on Sunday, 18 October 2026, after three action-packed days of national track and field events.
Organised by the Athletics Federation of India, the national tournament brought together top junior and young senior athletes from all corners of the country. Between 16 and 18 October, these rising stars stepped onto the track and field to contest 40 thrilling finals, pushing their limits and setting fantastic new standards.
What happened?
On the final day of the competition, four meet records were completely rewritten. Young athletes delivered outstanding performances, particularly in the hammer throw, hurdles, and long-distance events.
The throwing circle saw amazing strength in action. In the men’s hammer throw, Nirbhay Choudhary of Delhi clinched the gold medal and set a new meet record with a winning throw of 66.32 metres. Mohammad Shahban of Uttar Pradesh earned the silver medal with a throw of 65.27 metres, while Haryana’s Prateek bagged the bronze medal with 59.20 metres. In the women’s hammer throw, Punjab’s Haqikat Grewal broke the meet record by recording a top throw of 55.46 metres.
Running events were just as exciting. New championship records were registered on the track in both the men’s 400-metre hurdles and the gruelling 10,000-metre endurance race, proving that India’s young runners possess plenty of speed and stamina.
Spectators enjoyed plenty of memorable moments in other field contests too. Karnataka’s Shashank Patil claimed gold in the men’s javelin throw with a best effort of 76.16 metres. He finished ahead of two strong Haryana throwers, Aditya, who threw 75.48 metres, and Manish, who recorded 74.50 metres.
Over at the high jump, Madhya Pradesh athlete Aaditya Raguvanshi finished first by clearing the bar at 2.10 metres. He edged past Kerala’s Jomon Joy and Air Force jumper Shyam Sunder on countback. Meanwhile, in the men’s 21-kilometre half-marathon race walk, Nitin Gupta of Uttar Pradesh secured the gold medal in a time of 1:29:51.00.
Why does it matter to you?
Watching young athletes set national records proves that big sporting dreams come true through patience and regular practice. None of these champions threw a javelin past 75 metres or cleared tall bars on their very first attempt.
Whenever you step out for school sports day, join a race, or play games with friends, remember that small efforts add up. Trying out new activities and aiming to beat your own personal best builds strength, health, and confidence that stay with you forever.
Words to know
- hammer throw: a sport where an athlete spins and throws a heavy metal ball attached to a steel wire.
- countback: a rule used in high jump to decide the winner when athletes tie, based on who made fewer mistakes.
- hurdles: lightweight barriers that runners must leap over while racing at high speeds.
- endurance: the physical ability and patience to keep moving during long, tough exercises without stopping.
Did you know?
The javelin throw is one of the oldest sporting events in the world, having evolved from ancient hunting and spear-throwing traditions into an exciting Olympic sport.
Think about it
Which track or field sport would you love to practise on your school playground? What steps can you take every week to improve your personal best in your favourite game?
Quick quiz
Which athlete set a new meet record in the men’s hammer throw at Jaipur?
- Nirbhay Choudhary
- Shashank Patil
- Aaditya Raguvanshi
See the answer
Nirbhay Choudhary
Sources
- athleticsindia.com
- telanganatoday.com
- ianslive.in
- indianathletics.in
- indianathletics.in
- telanganatoday.com
This story was prepared by the Kids Gazette news desk with the help of AI research and writing tools, using the sources listed above.
