India's Athletics Team Gears Up for Asian Games 2023
Indian Athletics Campaign at Asian Games Begins
The Indian athletics team is set to commence its journey at the Asian Games starting Wednesday, featuring prominent athletes such as Avinash Sable, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Parul Chaudhary, and Gulveer Singh. The athletics events will take place from September 23 to September 29.
Neeraj Chopra Withdraws, Rohit Yadav Takes the Lead in Javelin
In a notable change for the men's javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra will not participate due to an injury. Rohit Yadav and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Yash Vir Singh will step in to fill his role. Rohit has showcased impressive form this season, achieving two remarkable throws over 87 meters, including a personal best of 87.68 meters at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar.
Key Athletes Aiming for Success
Avinash Sable is focused on defending his title in the men's 3000 m steeplechase, while Tajinderpal aims for his third consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games. Parul Chaudhary will also defend her gold in the women's 5000 m and compete in both the 1500 m and 3000 m steeplechase. Rajesh Ramesh, who was part of the gold medal-winning 4x400 m relay team at the 2022 Hangzhou edition, has also been selected.
Returning Athletes and Their Aspirations
Avinash is making a comeback after knee surgery that sidelined him from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, who won silver at the last Asian Games, is also returning after a lengthy injury break. Long-jump athlete Murali Sreeshankar, a silver medalist in Hangzhou, arrives with strong momentum following his second CWG silver in Glasgow. Other notable athletes include Tejaswin Shankar, Gulveer Singh, who earned double medals at CWG 2026, long-jump record holder Ancy Sojan, Praveen Chithravel, and Vithya Ramraj, all aiming to enhance their medal counts.
India's Participation in Athletics Events
India will compete in 41 out of the 50 medal events in athletics. However, there will be no representation in several events, including men's 110 hurdles, discus throw, half marathon race walk, marathon race walk, 4x100m relay, and women's 100m, marathon, javelin throw, and half marathon race walk.