Yashvir wins Asian Games javelin silver after late call-up

Yashvir Singh won silver in the men’s javelin at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after entering India’s squad as a replacement for the injured Neeraj Chopra. The 24-year-old from Jaipur produced a personal-best throw of 85.72 metres. His compatriot Rohit Yadav won bronze with 84.35m, while reigning world champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage took gold with 88.55m.

Yashvir began with an 83.56m throw to take the lead. Rohit briefly moved him into third place with his fourth-round effort, but Yashvir responded with his personal best to reclaim silver. Rain made the runway slippery and affected grip, but Yashvir recorded six valid throws, each around or above 82 metres.

He said the medal was the biggest achievement of his life. Chopra, who is close to Yashvir, had encouraged him before the event. Yashvir said Chopra told him he might be included in the squad after withdrawing and urged him to go for a medal.

Yashvir previously won bronze at the Commonwealth Games, where he also set a personal best. His career began with basketball before he switched to javelin during school. His father, Rai Singh, a former national-level javelin thrower, guided him.

Yashvir has also crossed 80 metres and qualified for a world championship, although he did not reach the final. His latest result adds an Asian Games silver and another personal best to his rapid progress.