India conclude World U20 Athletics with 3 medals after Pooja, relay miss out

India's campaign at the World Athletics U20 Championships concluded with three medals, as high jumper Pooja Singh and the women's 4x400m relay team could not add to the country's tally on the final day of competition.

Pooja Singh finished seventh in the women's high jump final, a result that fell short of the expectations that had built around her after a strong qualifying round. The women's 4x400m relay squad also missed out on a podium finish, ending their race outside the medal positions.

The disappointment on the concluding day, however, did not overshadow what was otherwise a memorable championships for India, particularly in the jumping events.

A historic bronze from Shahnavaz

The standout performance of the meet came from Shahnavaz, a high jumper from Pratapgarh, who scripted history by winning a bronze medal. His effort marked the first time an Indian male high jumper has reached the podium at a World U20 Championships, a feat that earned him widespread acclaim.

Shahnavaz's medal was part of a broader trend for Indian jumpers at these championships. Along with Basant, who also made history, India's jumpers shared a global podium in the United States, signalling a growing strength in this discipline at the junior level.

Three medals and a message from Neeraj Chopra

India concluded the championships with three medals in total, a result that reflects the country's improving depth in youth athletics. The medal haul includes Shahnavaz's bronze, Basant's historic achievement, and one other podium finish that came earlier in the competition.

The performance drew attention from Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who urged the junior athletes to 'keep up momentum' after their good show at the World U20 Championships. Chopra's words carried added weight, given his own journey from junior success to senior glory, and served as a reminder of the potential within this group of athletes.

Mixed emotions on the final day

For Pooja Singh, the seventh-place finish in the high jump final was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after she had shown promise in the lead-up to the event. The result means she will leave the championships without a medal, though her presence in the final itself was an achievement in its own right.

The women's 4x400m relay team's failure to finish on the podium was another setback, as the quartet had been considered a medal contender. Officials have not yet commented on the specifics of their performance, but the result will likely prompt a review of the team's preparation and execution.

Looking ahead

As the junior athletes return home, the focus will shift to how they build on this experience. With the next senior international season approaching, the three medal winners and others who showed promise will be expected to carry their form forward.

The coming months will reveal whether this group can translate junior-level success into senior-level consistency, a challenge that has historically proven difficult for Indian athletes. For now, the bronze medals and the near-misses offer a foundation to build upon.