Nirbhay Choudhary has set a new national record in men’s hammer throw after producing a throw of 71.02 metres at the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on 10 September 2026. The athlete from Delhi surpassed the previous Indian record of 70.73 metres, set by Neeraj Kumar in 2016.

The new mark came during a prize-money athletics meet organised in New Delhi as Indian athletes prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Nirbhay’s performance was one of the major highlights of the competition and marked an important step in his athletics career.

Nirbhay Choudhary Sets New National Mark

Nirbhay Choudhary produced his record-breaking throw of 71.02 metres in the men’s hammer throw event. His effort improved the previous national record by 29 centimetres.

The earlier record of 70.73 metres had remained the benchmark in Indian men’s hammer throw since Neeraj Kumar achieved it in 2016. Nirbhay’s latest performance has now moved the national record beyond the 71-metre mark.

Breaking a national record requires a combination of strength, speed, balance and technical skill. Nirbhay’s performance in New Delhi showed the progress he has made in the event and placed him among the leading hammer throwers in Indian athletics.

What Is Hammer Throw?

Hammer throw is a field event in track and field athletics. In the event, an athlete throws a heavy metal ball connected to a wire and handle.

The athlete stands inside a throwing circle and rotates several times to build speed before releasing the hammer. The distance is measured from the throwing circle to the nearest point where the hammer lands.

The event requires athletes to control their body movement while generating enough speed to send the hammer as far as possible. Good technique is particularly important because the athlete has to maintain balance during the rotations and release the hammer at the right moment.

In men’s senior competition, the hammer weighs 7.26 kilograms.

Record Surpasses Neeraj Kumar’s Mark

Nirbhay Choudhary’s 71.02-metre effort broke the national record that had been held by Neeraj Kumar since 2016.

The previous mark stood at 70.73 metres. Nirbhay improved it by 0.29 metres, or 29 centimetres.

A national record is an important achievement because it represents the best recognised performance by an athlete from a country under the rules of the national athletics federation. In India, national athletics records are maintained by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

Nirbhay’s achievement therefore marks a new benchmark for Indian men’s hammer throw.

Performance at the Indian Athletics Final Series

The record was set during the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on 10 September 2026. The competition was held on the warm-up field outside the main stadium.

The meet provided Indian athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level before the upcoming international season. It was also significant because several athletes are preparing for the Asian Games in Japan.

Nirbhay used the competition to produce his best performance and create a new national record. His 71.02-metre throw made the event an important moment in the 2026 Indian athletics calendar.

Women’s Hammer Throw Record Also Broken

The same athletics meet also saw a new national record in the women’s hammer throw.

Tanya Chaudhary, a 22-year-old athlete from Uttar Pradesh, produced a throw of 68.35 metres on the same day. Her performance broke the previous women’s national mark and added another major record to the competition.

The simultaneous improvement of the men’s and women’s hammer throw records made the Indian Athletics Final Series particularly notable.

Both performances also show the growing competitiveness of hammer throw in Indian athletics, with athletes continuing to push national benchmarks.

Nirbhay Choudhary’s Early Career

Nirbhay Choudhary has been competing in hammer throw from a young age. Before establishing himself at the senior level, he had already achieved success in junior competition.

On 16 October 2020, Nirbhay won a junior national gold medal in the under-16 hammer throw category.

His latest national record represents a major progression from those early achievements. Moving from junior competition to setting a senior national record highlights his development as an athlete over the years.

The 71.02-metre throw also gives him a strong platform as he enters the next phase of his career.

Asian Games Preparation

The timing of Nirbhay Choudhary’s national record is important because Indian athletes are preparing for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Asian Games bring together athletes from across Asia in a wide range of sports. Athletics is one of the major sports on the programme, and hammer throw provides an opportunity for Indian athletes to compete against some of the strongest throwers in the region.

Nirbhay’s latest performance gives him confidence before the international competition. His record-breaking throw also provides a clear indication of the level he has reached in the event.

A New Benchmark for Indian Hammer Throw

Nirbhay Choudhary’s 71.02-metre national record has changed the benchmark for Indian men’s hammer throw. By surpassing Neeraj Kumar’s 2016 record, he has opened a new chapter for the event in India.

His achievement, along with Tanya Chaudhary’s women’s record on the same day, has brought fresh attention to hammer throw in Indian athletics.

With the Asian Games approaching, Nirbhay will now look to build on his record-breaking performance and carry his strong domestic form into international competition.