‘They Will Make a Big Impression’: AFI Reveals India’s Medal-Hungry Squad for Asian U23 Championships in China

India has announced a star-studded 54-member contingent for the upcoming Asian U23 Athletics Championships in ordos, China, with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)expressing confidence that the country's emerging talents can make a significant impact on the continental stage. The championships, scheduled to take place from June 09 to 12, will see several Federation Cup champions and national-level performers representing India across track and field disciplines.

AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo believes the young athletes are well-positioned to deliver strong performances after an encouraging domestic season.

The Indian squad features a blend of established junior stars and promising newcomers who have impressed in recent national competitions, particularly at the Federation Cup and other domestic meets.

Among the standout names in the men's contingent are Madhya Pradesh pole vaulters Dev Kumar Meena and Kuldeep Kumar, who jointly hold the national record of 5.45m. Both athletes will be expected to spearhead India's challenge in the pole vault event. Also included in the squad is Uttar Pradesh's promising steeplechase runner Sharuk Khan, who will compete in the men's 3,000m steeplechase, while Maharashtra's talented Shivam Lohakare has earned selection in the javelin throw.

1. Vibhaskar Kumar
2. Sam Vasanth S (100m/4x100m relay)
3. Harsh Santosh Raut
4. Mohamed Shan P
5. Laukik Anant Melge
6. Aniket Nalawade (4x100m relay)
7. Abhay Singh (200m)
8. J Pandiyan (200m)
9. Astik Pradhan (400m/4x400m relay)
10. Setu Mishra (400m/4x400m relay)
11. Aman Chaudhary (4x400m relay)
12. Sharan M (4x400m relay)
13. Sahil Malik (4x400m relay)
14. Tarandeep Singh (4x400m relay)
15. Shakeel (800m)
16. Vinod Kumar Bhanot (800m)
17. Sakir (1500m)
18. Ritik Deol (1500m)
19. Shivaji Parashuram (5000m/10000m)
20. Vinod Singh (5000m)
21. Shailesh Kushwaha (10000m)
22. Sharuk Khan (3000m Steeplechase)
23. Sudeep (High Jump)
24. Mohammed Muhassin (Triple Jump)
25. Dev Kumar Meena (Pole Vault)
26. Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault)
27. Mohd Atta Sazid (Long Jump)
28. Bharatpreet Singh (Discus Throw)
29. Shivam Lohakare (Javelin Throw)
30. Anand Singh (Javelin Throw)
31. Harshit Kumar (Hammer Throw)
32. Abhijit Bhosale (Decathlon)
33. Sachin G (21km Race Walk)

The women's squad will be led by long jumper Shaili Singh and race walker Aarti, both of whom already possess valuable international experience. Shaili remains one of India's most accomplished young field athletes, having won a silver medal at the 2021 World U20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi. The Uttar Pradesh athlete has also successfully transitioned to the senior circuit and owns a personal best of 6.76m, which stands as the national U20 record. Meanwhile, race walker Aarti enters the championships after claiming bronze in the women's 10,000m race walk at the 2024 World U20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru. She will compete in the 21km race walk event in Ordos.

1. Kiruthika
2. Akshaya S
3. V Sudheeksha
4. Sanjana
5. Abinaya Rajarajan (4x100m relay)
6. Huidrom Bhumeshwor (800m/1500m)
7. Vaishnavi Rawal (800m)
8. Shreeya Rajesh (100m Hurdles)
9. Sabita Toppo (100m Hurdles)
10. Prachi Devkar (3000m Steeplechase)
11. Nitika Anup Akare (Pole Vault)
12. Shaili Singh (Long Jump)
13. Vidhi (Shot Put)
14. Anupriya VS (Shot Put)
15. Priya (Discus Throw)
16. Shravani Sachin Sangle (400m Hurdles/4x400m relay)
17. Nofisa Khatun (4x400m relay)
18. Tahura Khatun (4x400m relay)
19. Boomika Nehate (4x400m relay)
20. Sandra Mol Sabu (4x400m relay)
21. C Janice Stella (4x400m relay)
22. Anamika KA (Heptathlon)
23. Aarti (21km Race Walk)

The inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships presents a significant opportunity for India's emerging athletes to gain international exposure and establish themselves among Asia's best young performers. With representation across sprinting, middle-distance events, jumps, throws, race walking, hurdles, and combined events, India will be aiming to convert domestic success into continental podium finishes. The event is also expected to serve as an important stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete at future Asian Games, World Championships, and Olympic competitions.

Sportscape observesthat several athletes selected for the team have consistently delivered strong performances at national meets and age-group competitions, earning their opportunity to compete on the continental stage. For emerging stars such as Dev Kumar Meena, Kuldeep Kumar, Sharuk Khan, Shaili Singh, and Aarti, Ordos represents more than just another championship. It is a chance to translate domestic promise into international success. If recent performances are any indication, India could return home with not only medals but also a clearer picture of the athletes who may form the backbone of its future senior athletics teams.