India, April 24 -- India can have a maximum of four javelin throwers at the world championships in Tokyo but only reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra is a confirmed starter. No Indian thrower has so far been able to breach the qualification mark of 85.50m. Besides Neeraj, only Sachin Yadav, who has shown impressive form this season, is in the race to make the cut through world rankings (top 36 qualify).

At the ongoing National Federation Cup in Kochi, Sachin won gold with a throw of 83.86m. The only other thrower who touched 80m was Yashvir Singh (80.85m). This, despite the fact that six throwers in the final on Monday had earlier crossed the 80m mark during the last three seasons.

Though it is still early into the season, throwers ha...