Neeraj Chopra Will Lead Strong 73-Member Indian Athletics

Olympic double medallist Neeraj Chopra will captain India’s 73-member track and field contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Chopra enters the continental showpiece chasing a third consecutive gold medal in the men's javelin throw when events take place from September 19 to October 4.

Returning Champions Lead Gold Defense

India’s squad brings battle-tested experience with 16 medallists from the Hangzhou edition, including five individual winners eager to defend their crowns. Rising javelin thrower Rohit Yadav joins Chopra in the field events after recording a personal best of 87.68m during his victory at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet in Bhubaneswar.

Distance specialist Avinash Sable returns to action following an injury layoff, looking to repeat his 3000m steeplechase gold and 5000m silver performances. Shot put star Tajinderpal Singh Toor pursues a rare hat-trick of Asian Games titles. Distance runner Parul Chaudhary faces a demanding schedule across three separate track disciplines: 1500m, 5000m, and the 3000m steeplechase. Javelin champion Annu Rani and 4x400m relay winner Rajesh Ramesh also return to the national roster.

Depth across Track and Field Events

Sprint hurdler Tejas Shirse earned selection for the 110m hurdles after overcoming two stress fractures in his left foot suffered during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Proven podium finishers Jyothi Yarraji, Murali Sreeshankar, Tejaswin Shankar, Gulveer Singh, Mohammed Afsal, Ancy Sojan, Praveen Chithravel, and Vithya Ramraj strengthen India’s multi-event depth.

Indian athletics recorded its finest performance in continental history at Hangzhou 2023 with 29 total medals, collecting six gold, 14 silver, and nine bronze. National coaches expect this balanced squad to build on that record in Japan.

With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI