The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has revealed a 54-member national track and field squad for the upcoming Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China. The team consists of 31 men and 23 women, including talented young athletes who have excelled at national and international levels. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, believing they can leave a strong mark at the championship.
Among the men’s squad are notable athletes like pole vaulters Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar, steeplechase runner Sharuk Khan, and javelin thrower Shivam Lohakare. In the women’s team, long jumper Shaili Singh and race walker Aarti lead the pack. Shaili, a silver medalist at the 2021 World U20 Athletics Championships, holds a personal best of 6.76m. Aarti, a bronze medalist at the 2024 World U20 Athletics Championships, will compete in the 21km race walk event.
The squad also features relay runners and middle-distance athletes who have shone during the domestic season. Mohammed Muhassin will represent India in the men’s triple jump, while Huidrom Bhumeshwor and Nitika Anup Akare will compete in various events. The Indian team is gearing up to showcase their talents at the Asian U23 Championships in China.
