20th World Athletics Championships 2025 Held in Tokyo, Japan; USA Tops Medal Table

The 20th edition of the World Athletics (WA) Championships was recently organised at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21, 2025. The championship featured 49 athletic events with participation from 198 nations, showcasing the world’s top talent in track and field.

      - The championships were held at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, marking the third time Japan hosted the event after the 1991 and 2007 editions. The stadium is equipped with world-class athletic facilities, accommodating a range of track and field competitions including sprints, distance races, jumps, throws, and relay events.

      - The event witnessed participation from 2,202 athletes representing 198 nations. Competitors took part in 49 events, covering both men’s and women’s categories in track, field, and combined events, testing speed, endurance, strength, and skill.

      - Athletes qualified for the 2025 edition through the 2025 World Athletics Relays held in Guangzhou, China. The top 14 relay teams in each category secured their spots for the Tokyo championships, ensuring a high level of competition in relay events.

Main Point :-   (i) The United States of America (USA) dominated the championships, finishing first in the medal tally with a total of 26 medals: 16 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze. Kenya secured second place with 11 medals (7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze), while Canada ranked third with 6 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze). Host nation Japan won 2 bronze medals, finishing 40th overall.

      (ii) India marked a historic achievement in high jump as Sarvesh Anil Kushare finished 6th in the men’s high jump final with a personal best of 2.28m. He became the first Indian high jumper to reach a final at the World Athletics Championships, highlighting the country’s emerging presence in global athletics.

(iii) The 21st World Athletics Championships is scheduled to be held in Beijing, China, in 2027. With increasing global participation and improved performance from nations like India, the event continues to serve as a platform for rising talents and established athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage.