Shivam Lohkare, a 20-year-old athlete from a farming family, made headlines by breaking the Services men’s javelin record with a throw of 84.31 metres at the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025 in Bengaluru. This throw surpassed the previous record of 83.80 metres held since 2018 by Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra.
Despite the event’s non-certified status disallowing official World Athletics recognition, Shivam’s consistent performance and this historic feat have earned him congratulations from Neeraj himself and widespread acclaim from sport officials. Shivam’s journey from a village with no sporting infrastructure to breaking national records highlights the growing depth of Indian athletics and the untapped rural talent in the country.
A Historic Throw and Rising Consistency
Shivam Lohkare’s throw of 84.31 metres eclipsed Neeraj Chopra’s Services record set in 2018 by 0.51 metres, marking a new personal best for the young javelin star. This performance was particularly impressive as it was the fourth consecutive time Shivam crossed the 80-metre mark this season, underscoring his emerging consistency at the national level. Speaking after the event, Shivam said, “Today I was feeling that I would throw 82m+.
It’s okay that it’s not officially recognised. I’ll perform even better at the Open Nationals.” His confidence and dedication have drawn praise from many, including Chopra, who posted on Instagram, “Congratulations Shivam very good. Keep going.” Shivam’s throw was recorded during trials for the upcoming Open Nationals and has positioned him as one of India’s brightest prospects in the javelin discipline.
From Village Roots to National Acclaim
Hailing from a rural background with farming parents, Shivam’s rise to prominence is a testament to perseverance and support amidst infrastructural limitations. Shivam shared, “In our village, there were no facilities for sports. I first came to know about athletics when my PT teacher recognised my talent in Class 6.” His journey from practising in scarce conditions to breaking records is an inspiring story of how raw talent, when nurtured, can shine.
Sports officials have highlighted his achievement as a call to improve grassroots sports infrastructure in India’s villages, proposing increased funding and training facilities to empower more young athletes like Shivam to realise their potential.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shivam Lohkare’s breakthrough is a powerful reminder that talent and hard work can flourish even in challenging environments. His journey reflects the urgent need for equalising sporting opportunities across India’s urban and rural divides.
While celebrating Shivam’s success, it also prompts a larger conversation about investing in grassroots sports infrastructure, mentorship, and resource allocation to cultivate a broader talent pool nationwide. His victory exemplifies the harmony between ambition and perseverance, inspiring collective hope for India’s sporting future.
