Asian Games-bound athletes set for one final test

The focus will squarely be on the big names travelling for the Asian Games as the invitation-only, season-ending Indian Athletics Final Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday is set to be the most decorated domestic event of the calendar year.

The Athletics Federation of India has opted for 30 disciplines — 15 each in men and women — in the one-day, single-session event. The cream of Indian track and field, including almost all the Asiad-bound names, will be looking to assess their competition worthiness one last time ahead of the continental extravaganza.

The athletes were invited as per their ranking across the Athletics Series through the year, with the quartermilers expected to be in the spotlight. In men’s 400m, National record holder Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Manu T.S., Dharamveer Chaudhary, Mohammed Ashfaq and Jay Kumar have all been called up to compete.

Vishal has also been named in the 200m start list along with Animesh Kujur, who will also be gunning to regain his title of the fastest Indian man in 100m.

NR holder Gurindervir Singh and Harjit Singh are in the shortest sprint, the former hoping to allay fitness concerns. Also returning to action after almost a year and half out with injury and rehab is Avinash Sable in 3000m steeplechase. Ten of the 15 Asian Games medallists from Hangzhou who are bound for Aichi-Nagoya have been named in the start list.

There is no 200m for women while men’s discus throw hasn’t been included either. Harita Bhadra, a late addition to the Asiad squad after winning the 200m National Inter-State championships title in June with a season’s best effort, will be running in 100m along with Unnathi Bollanda Aiyappa.

Yashvir Singh, having made the cut after Neeraj Chopra was ruled out with injury, and Rohit Yadav, will both start in men’s javelin throw while Annu Rani will do so in the women’s section. Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will also compete for honours.

Some of the athletes have been given exemption, including Murali Sreeshankar (long jump), Praveen Chithravel (triple jump) and Sarvesh Kushare (high jump). The more gruelling events like middle and long-distance runs and decathlon have not been included.