20-year-old Shivam Lohakare breaks Neeraj Chopra’s record, Olympian reacts

A 20-year-old Indian athlete, Shivam Lohakare, has caught the eyes of many with a remarkable performance at the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025.

Lohakare produced a stunning throw of 84.31m, breaking the Services record previously held by his idol and Olympian Neeraj Chopra, whose 2018 mark stood at 83.80m. 

Lohakare’s achievement made waves across the athletics community, drawing a warm response from Neeraj Chopra himself. The two-time Olympic champion shared a congratulatory note on Instagram, acknowledging the youngster’s breakthrough.

“Congratulations Shivam👏👏very good. Keep going 💪,” said Chopra under the video of the throw posted by Lohakare.

However, the feat will not enter the official record books as the championship is not recognised by World Athletics for certified rankings.

At just 20 years old, Lohakare has become the second-youngest Indian ever to cross the 80m mark, behind Chopra, who achieved the feat as an 18-year-old before scripting history with Olympic gold in Tokyo.