Athletics Federation of India names 77-member Asian Games squad

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced a 77-member track and field squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The selection includes several notable changes due to injuries and regulatory concerns.

Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has been replaced in the javelin event by Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Yashvir Singh following an ankle ligament tear that has ended Chopra’s 2026 campaign. Additionally, hurdler Tejas Shirse has been omitted from the squad due to stress fractures sustained during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal was also excluded from the team. While officials noted that a substance found in his sample was below the threshold level and NADA is still investigating, the AFI decided to drop him to avoid any potential controversy or risk.

The final squad includes 15 athletes who previously won medals at the last Asian Games, including gold medalists Avinash Sable, Tejinderpal Singh Toor, Parul Chaudhary, and Annu Rani.