India Finalizes 77-Member Athletics Squad for Asian Games; Neeraj Chopra Out Due to Injury

LUDHIANA – The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has officially announced a revamped 77-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The final roster reflects significant changes necessitated by medical setbacks and doping investigations.

High-Profile Withdrawals

The most notable absence from the squad is Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, who has been forced to withdraw due to injury. Replacing him in the javelin throw contingent is Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh.

AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that Yashvir’s inclusion is a direct injury replacement. In addition to the javelin squad, men’s 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse has also been ruled out after sustaining an injury during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Doping Investigation Leads to Exclusion

Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal has been dropped from the team following a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Pal’s sample reportedly contained traces of a female fertility drug, albeit at levels below the established threshold.

Lalit Bhanot, former AFI secretary and planning commission chief, clarified that while the investigation is ongoing and Pal has not been declared “dope positive,” the federation chose to err on the side of caution. “We did not want to take any risk. We don’t want anybody to point a finger at us,” Bhanot stated.

Strategic Additions and Event Focus

Despite the high-profile drops, the squad has been bolstered by the addition of six new athletes, including Harita Bhadra (200m), Kiran Pahal (400m), Sindhushree G (pole vault), I Asha Ilango (triple jump), Sanya Yadav (discus throw), and Praveen Kumar (hammer throw).

The federation is also keeping a close eye on star athlete Avinash Sable. While his participation in the 3,000m steeplechase is confirmed, the AFI has requested permission for him to compete in the 5,000m as well. However, this is contingent on Sable meeting the federation’s qualification mark during the final leg of the Indian Athletics Series in New Delhi on September 10.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming prize-money event in New Delhi will serve as a crucial final warm-up for the Asian Games-bound athletes. The final list includes versatile runners Gulveer Singh and Parul Chaudhary, both of whom are set to compete in three distinct events each, highlighting the depth of the squad as they prepare to represent India on the continental stage.