20-Year-Old Shivam Lohakare Breaks Neeraj Chopra’s Record at Inter Services Athletics Meet

Rising Indian javelin thrower Shivam Lohakare has made headlines after surpassing Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s long-standing record at the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025.

The 20-year-old delivered a massive throw of 84.31 meters, eclipsing Chopra’s 2018 Services record of 83.80 meters. The throw, though unofficial in terms of international rankings due to the event not being recognized by World Athletics, has made a strong statement about Lohakare’s potential.

The achievement did not go unnoticed. Neeraj Chopra himself took to Instagram to congratulate the young athlete, commenting under Lohakare’s video:
“Congratulations Shivam 👏👏 very good. Keep going 💪.”

Lohakare’s throw makes him only the second-youngest Indian to breach the 80-meter barrier—after Chopra, who achieved the feat at just 18 before going on to win Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Despite the throw not entering the official record books, Shivam Lohakare’s performance has added fresh excitement to India’s javelin scene, hinting at a strong future beyond Chopra.