Yashvir Singh Replaces Injured Neeraj Chopra in India’s 77-Member Asian Games Athletics Team

Yashvir Singh has replaced injured star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in India’s athletics squad for the Asian Games, while long-distance runner Abhishek Pal and 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse have been left out.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Thursday announced a 77-member track and field team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir gets the opportunity to represent India after Chopra was ruled out with an injury. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo said Yashvir was brought in as a direct injury replacement for Chopra.

Pal, who was part of the earlier squad, was dropped after receiving a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). His sample was found to contain a female fertility drug, although officials said its presence was below the threshold level. The matter is currently under investigation.

Former AFI secretary Lalit Bhanot said the federation decided against taking any risk while the case was being examined.

Shirse has also been removed from the team after suffering an injury during the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The AFI had asked him to provide an updated fitness report, but the federation had not received it.

Six athletes were added to the squad on Wednesday. They include 200m runner Harita Bhadra, quarter-miler Kiran Pahal, pole vaulter Sindhushree G, triple jumper I Asha Ilango, discus thrower Sanya Yadav and hammer thrower Praveen Kumar.

The AFI has also requested permission for Avinash Sable to compete in the 5000m alongside the 3000m steeplechase. He must first meet the AFI qualification mark at the Indian Athletics Series final in New Delhi on September 10.

Sable won gold in the steeplechase and silver in the 5000m at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Gulveer Singh and Parul Chaudhary will compete in three events each at the Asian Games.