Inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships: Shaili Singh and Dev Meena to Lead 54-Member Indian Squad
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced a 54-member team to represent the nation at the upcoming inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships. The continental competition is scheduled to take place in Ordos, China, from July 9 to July 12, 2026.
The comprehensive selection features 31 men and 23 women across individual tracks, fields, and specialized relay pools, combining promising domestic titleholders with internationally experienced youth prospects.
Headline Medal Contenders
India's campaign at the continental meet will be anchored by several prominent junior and under-23 standard-bearers:
- Shaili Singh (Long Jump): The 2021 World U20 Championships silver medalist brings elite international circuit experience to lead the women's jumping contingent.
- Dev Kumar Meena & Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault): The Madhya Pradesh training partners will anchor the vertical jumps, following competitive national performances clearing the 5.40m+ bracket.
- Aarti (21km Race Walk): A bronze medalist in the 10,000m race walk at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Aarti steps up to the longer distance format.
- Sharuk Khan (3,000m Steeplechase): The rising distance specialist enters the tournament as a primary medal threat following strong age-group rankings in technical barrier disciplines.
Complete Roster Breakdown
Men's Contingent (31 Athletes)
- Individual Sprints: Vibhaskar Kumar (100m), Sam Vasanth S (100m), Abhay Singh (200m), Astik Pradhan (400m), Setu Mishra (400m).
- 4x100m Relay Pool: Vibhaskar Kumar, Sam Vasanth S, Harsh Santosh Raut, Mohamed Shan P, Laukik Anant Melge, Aniket Nalawade.
- 4x400m Relay Pool: Astik Pradhan, Setu Mishra, Aman Chaudhary, Sharan M, Sahil Malik, Tarandeep Singh.
- Middle & Long Distance: Shakeel (800m), Vinod Kumar Bhanot (800m), Sakir (1500m), Ritik Deol (1500m), Shivaji Parashuram (5,000m / 10,000m), Vinod Singh (5,000m), Shailesh Kushwaha (10,000m).
- Hurdles & Steeplechase: Sharuk Khan (3,000m Steeplechase).
- Jumps & Pole Vault: Sudeep (High Jump), Mohd Atta Sazid (Long Jump), Mohammed Muhassin (Triple Jump), Dev Kumar Meena (Pole Vault), Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault).
- Throws: Bharatpreet Singh (Discus Throw), Shivam Lohakare (Javelin Throw), Anand Singh (Javelin Throw), Harshit Kumar (Hammer Throw).
- Multi-Events & Race Walk: Abhijit Bhosale (Decathlon), Sachin G (21km Race Walk).
Women's Contingent (23 Athletes)
- Individual Sprints & Hurdles: Shravani Sachin Sangle (400m Hurdles), Shreeya Rajesh (100m Hurdles), Sabita Toppo (100m Hurdles).
- 4x100m Relay Pool: Kiruthika, Akshaya S, V Sudheeksha, Sanjana, Abinaya Rajarajan.
- 4x400m Relay Pool: Shravani Sachin Sangle, Nofisa Khatun, Tahura Khatun, Boomika Nehate, Sandra Mol Sabu, C Janice Stella.
- Middle & Long Distance: Huidrom Bhumeshwor (800m / 1500m), Vaishnavi Rawal (800m), Prachi Devkar (3000m Steeplechase).
- Jumps & Pole Vault: Nitika Anup Akare (Pole Vault), Shaili Singh (Long Jump).
- Throws: Vidhi (Shot Put), Anupriya VS (Shot Put), Priya (Discus Throw).
- Multi-Events & Race Walk: Anamika KA (Heptathlon), Aarti (21km Race Walk).
Tournament Specifications
| Event Parameter | Details & Specifications |
|---|---|
| Championship | Inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships |
| Competition Dates | July 9 – July 12, 2026 |
| Host Venue | Ordos, China |
| Total Indian Delegation | 54 Athletes (31 Men, 23 Women) |
| Governing Authority | Athletics Federation of India (AFI) |
The newly elected coaching committee under the AFI has verified that all selected athletes will undergo an mandatory pre-departure preparatory camp to acclimate to competitive standards ahead of the team's transit to China.