The World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest (Hungary) was short but historic for India. The country celebrated with the World Athletics Championships gold medal for the first time.
Budapest hosted the World Athletics Championships 2023 between August 19 and 27, 2023. The 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships was the first time India finished with at least one gold medal.
Previously, India won only one silver (Neeraj Chopra in men’s javelin throw in 2022) and one bronze medal (Anju Bobby George in women’s long jump in 2003) at the World Athletics Championships.
At the World Athletics Championships 2023, 23 males and four females participated for India. These athletes completed in total 15 events (11 men’s events and four women’s events). India ultimately won one gold at the latest World Championships and finished joint 18th position in the medals table.
Top Indian performers at the World Athletics Championships 2023
Men’s Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra brought India’s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. In the final of the men’s javelin throw event, Chopra managed to cover a distance of 88.17m to win the crown. Earlier in the qualifiers, Chopra confirmed his ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympics after managing the top plays with a throw of 88.77m distance.
Meanwhile, Kishore Jane and DP Manu also shined in the men’s javelin throw final as they finished fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Women's 3000m Steeplechase
Parul Chaudhary shined in the women’s 3000m steeplechase event at the World Athletics Championships 2023. After reaching the final of the event, Chaudhary managed the 11th position (9:15.31) but booked her place for the Paris 2024 Olympics by setting up a new national record.
Men's 4x400m Relay
India also shined in the men's 4x400m relay events. After setting up an Asian record (2:59.05s) during the heats, the team India finished fifth position in the final event (2:59.92s). Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh were the members of the team India.
Men’s Long Jump
Jeswin Aldrin qualified for the men’s long jump final event at the World Athletics Championships 2023. He managed 11th place in the men’s long jump final event (7.77m).
