India has announced a b 59-member team for the Asian Athletics Championships to be held in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31, 2025. The team includes many of the country's top athletes, although some prominent names are absent.
Asian Athletics Championship 2025: India has announced a 59-member team for the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea. Almost all athletes who performed exceptionally well at the Federation Cup held in Kochi have been included. However, India's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, will not participate in this prestigious tournament.
Neeraj last participated in the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar in 2017, where he won a gold medal. Since then, Neeraj's focus has primarily been on major international competitions like the Diamond League, World Championships, and Olympics.
Neeraj's Absence Was Pre-planned
Neeraj Chopra won a gold medal at the Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar in 2017. He hasn't participated in the tournament since. This decision is part of his training strategy. In the 2025 season, Neeraj's complete focus is on the Diamond League series and the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September.
Furthermore, he will also be hosting the NC Classic Throw Meet in Bengaluru on May 24th. Therefore, his absence from the Asian Championships is not surprising. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) recently selected the team based on the players' performance at the Federation Cup held in Kochi. Almost all athletes who performed bly in this competition have received tickets to travel to South Korea.
Setback for Tejinderpal Singh Toor and Meena
Besides javelin throw, India has also suffered a major setback in shot put. Tejinderpal Singh Toor, a gold medalist in the previous Asian Championships and a national record holder, has not been included in the team this time. His performance at the Federation Cup was below expectations, finishing second, resulting in his exclusion from the team.
Similarly, Dev Kumar Meena, the national record holder in pole vault, has also been dropped from the team. He recently improved his record, but he could not reach the qualifying standard set by the AFI.
Return of Sable, Parul, and Gulveer
India's veteran steeplechase runner Avinash Sable, women's steeplechase star Parul Chaudhary, and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh have been included in the team. Although these three could not participate in the Federation Cup because they were training and competing abroad with AFI permission, their international-level form and fitness have led to their direct inclusion in the team.
Record Holders Rewarded
This year's team gives special preference to athletes who recently set or equaled national records.
- Animesh Kujur, who set a new national record in the 200-meter race, has been included in the team.
- Praveen Chitravel, in triple jump, who equaled his own record during the Federation Cup, has also been given a chance.
- Annu Rani, in women's javelin throw, achieved a throw of 58.82 meters at the Indian Open Throw Meet in March, leading to her inclusion in the team.
Balanced Representation Across Events
The team maintains a good balance between men and women for track and field events. India has competitive athletes in all disciplines, including sprints, long-distance races, steeplechase, jumps, and throws. Considering this team, it can be said that India's goal is not just to win medals but to finish in the top 3.
If the absence of athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Tejinderpal is viewed strategically, it is also part of Indian athletics' long-term plan. Resting some athletes is necessary to ensure fitness and peak performance for platforms like the World Championships and Olympics.
