Neeraj Chopra Fan Himanshu Jakhar Targets Khelo India Youth Games Glory After Asian U18 Gold
New Delhi, April 20 (Sports Desk)
Inspired by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s humility and dedication, 17-year-old Himanshu Jakhar from Haryana is emerging as a rising star in Indian javelin throw. Fresh off winning gold at the Asian U-18 Athletics Championships 2025 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with a throw of 67.57 meters, Jakhar has set his sights on dominating the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar, scheduled for May 4–15, 2025.
Asian U-18 Athletics Championships Triumph
Himanshu, hailing from Salahawas village in Jhajjar, Haryana, made history as the first Indian to claim the boys’ javelin throw title at the Asian U-18 Championships, which concluded on April 18, 2025. His winning throw of 67.57m outclassed China’s Lu Hao (63.45m) and Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Sadullaev (61.96m), securing India’s top spot on the podium.
Born to farmers Dalbir and Reena, Himanshu took up javelin just five years ago and credits his success to rigorous training and Neeraj Chopra’s influence. “Neeraj is an inspiration to the entire nation,” Jakhar told SAI Media. “His work ethic, humility, and composure under pressure are qualities I admire and try to emulate. I learn from how he interacts with competitors and stays calm during high-stakes moments.”
watch…..Punjab Kings’ Historic 262 Chase Against KKR Sets IPL Record
Journey and Training
Himanshu’s journey began at the SAI Centre in Hisar, where he has trained under coach Arvind for the past three years. Access to improved coaching, equipment, and facilities has been pivotal in his rise. “Winning gold for India was a dream come true, but it took immense hard work with my coaches to reach this level,” he said. His personal best of 74.56m, achieved with the 700g javelin at the National Junior Athletics Championships in December 2024, underscores his potential.
Khelo India Youth Games Ambition
With the Asian U-18 gold in his pocket, Jakhar is now focused on the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, to be held across five cities in Bihar—Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai—with shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling events in New Delhi. “My goal is to impress talent scouts at the Khelo India Youth Games and then excel at the Junior Nationals,” the teenager stated, aiming to solidify his reputation as a top prospect.
Neeraj Chopra’s Influence
Jakhar’s admiration for Neeraj Chopra, whose Olympic and world championship feats have elevated Indian athletics, drives his ambition. “What Neeraj has done for India is extraordinary. I study how he conducts himself, from his discipline to his respect for rivals,” Jakhar noted. Chopra’s ability to remain grounded despite global fame serves as a blueprint for the young athlete as he navigates his own path.
Looking Ahead
Himanshu’s Asian U-18 gold has marked him as a talent to watch, and the Khelo India Youth Games offer a platform to further showcase his skills. With his focus on hard work and learning from his idol, Jakhar is poised to contribute to India’s growing athletics legacy. As he prepares for the Bihar event, the javelin prodigy carries the hopes of his village and the inspiration of a nation.
