Neeraj Chopra to Lead India's Athletics Team at Asian Games 2026
Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, is set to lead a robust 73-member athletics team representing India at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, will see Chopra aiming to defend his title in the men's
The Indian contingent boasts a strong lineup, including 16 athletes who previously medaled at the Hangzhou Games, with five individual champions returning to defend their titles. Among them is Rohit Yadav, who recently achieved a personal best of 87.68 meters at the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour meet in Bhubaneswar, and will join Chopra in the javelin throw competition.
Returning Champions and New Faces
In addition to Chopra and Yadav, the squad features several other champions from Hangzhou 2023, including Avinash Sable, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Parul Chaudhary, and Annu Rani. Sable, who secured gold in the men's 3000m steeplechase and silver in the 5000m, is making a comeback after overcoming injuries. Toor aims to clinch his third consecutive title in the shot put, while Chaudhary will compete in three events: the 1500m, 5000m, and 3000m steeplechase.
Rajesh Ramesh, a member of the gold medal-winning men's 4x400m relay team from Hangzhou, is also included in the squad. Other notable athletes returning from the last Games include Jyothi Yarraji, Murali Sreeshankar, Tejaswin Shankar, and Ancy Sojan, all of whom contributed to India's impressive medal tally.
India's Ambitious Goals for the Upcoming Games
India aims to build on its success from the Hangzhou Games, where the country achieved its best-ever performance in athletics, securing a total of 29 medals, including six golds, 14 silvers, and nine bronzes. The upcoming Asian Games present an opportunity for Indian athletes to showcase their talents on a larger stage and continue the momentum gained from their previous achievements.
As the countdown to the Asian Games begins, the Indian athletics team is poised to make a significant impact, with a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents ready to compete for glory in Japan.
