Annu Rani, India's renowned javelin thrower, faced a setback at the World Athletics Championship, falling short of qualifying for the women's javelin throw event finals. During Wednesday's qualifying session, Rani secured the 11th position in Group B, marking a disappointing day for Indian athletics.
The 30-year-old sportswoman initiated her performance with a 57.05m throw. However, her second attempt saw a foul, and she concluded her trials with a 56.01m throw on her third try. To secure an automatic spot in the finals, athletes needed to achieve a mark of 61.5m. Alternatively, the top 12 performers across all groups would advance. Rani's 57.05m throw was her best effort for the day but was insufficient to push her into the final round.
Having earned her place in the World Championships based on her ratings, Annu Rani's recent form has been less than stellar. This season, she hasn't surpassed the 60-metre mark, recording her weakest performance in half a decade. Rani's season's best was 59.24m, achieved earlier in the year. Furthermore, her latest stint at the Hylo Javelin meet this month saw her managing only a 54.76m throw.
Out of the 36 participants in this year's World Championships, a staggering 32 athletes outperformed the Indian star. This data casts a shadow over her chances of not only progressing to the finals but also securing a spot within the top eight in the World Championships. The gap between her recent performances and her all-time best is notable. Rani's record-breaking throw of 63.24m, which stands as a national record, was set at the Federation Cup in March. The contrast between that accomplishment and her recent throws underscores the challenges she faced in the current championship.
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