New Delhi, September 1 (HS) : The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Sunday announced India’s final 19-member squad for the World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. The team comprises 14 men and 5 women, who will compete in 15 events.

India's biggest medal hope remains javelin world champion and defending champion Neeraj Chopra, who has qualified through a wild card entry. For the first time, India will field four male javelin throwers — Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Rohit Yadav.

Direct qualification marks earned spots for Gulveer Singh (5000 meters), Praveen Chitravel (triple jump), and Parul Chaudhary (3000 meters steeplechase). Gulveer Singh will also compete in the 10,000 meters, while middle-distance runner Pooja will participate in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters events.

However, three qualified athletes — Avinash Sable (3000 meters steeplechase), Nandini Agasara (heptathlon), and Akshdeep Singh (20 km race walk) — have been ruled out due to medical reasons.

AFI’s chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair confirmed that a preparatory training camp will be held in Tokyo from September 4 to 9, with official hotel shifts on September 10. Neeraj Chopra will join the team directly from the Czech Republic on September 5.

The Indian squad:

Men: Neeraj Chopra (javelin - wild card), Sachin Yadav (javelin), Yashvir Singh (javelin), Rohit Yadav (javelin), Gulveer Singh (5000m, 10,000m), Praveen Chitravel (triple jump), Abdullah Abubakar (triple jump), Sarvesh Kushare (high jump), Animesh Kujur (200m), Murali Sreeshankar (long jump), Sarvin Sebastian (20 km race walk), Ram Babu (35 km race walk), Sandeep (35 km race walk), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles).

Women: Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase), Annu Rani (javelin), Priyanka Goswami (35 km race walk), Ankita (3000m steeplechase), Pooja (800m, 1500m).

The Championships will showcase India’s strongest and most diverse team yet, aiming for podium presence, led by the world champion Neeraj Chopra’s title defense in the javelin throw.

This announcement signals a new chapter for Indian athletics on the global stage, blending experienced champions with emerging talents across track and field disciplines.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar