Indian Athletics Team Selection Sparks Controversy
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) unveiled its 28-member athletics team for the Paris Olympics, sparking a wave of controversy over the exclusion of Kiran Pahal from the women’s 4x400m relay team. Despite boasting the second-fastest Asian quarter-miler time this season and holding the No. 2 spot on the all-time Indian 400m list, Pahal was sidelined in favor of national campers.
Neeraj Chopra Leads Elite Indian Contingent
The Indian contingent, however, is not without its stars. Leading the charge is javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the nation’s first-ever Olympic champion in athletics. He is joined by Asian Games champions Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary, and Annu Rani. Notably, Chaudhary will compete in both the women’s 3000m steeplechase and 5000m events.
Rajesh Ramesh’s Inclusion Raises Eyebrows
The inclusion of Rajesh Ramesh in the men’s 4x400m relay has also drawn scrutiny. Despite not competing in individual 400m races this year and withdrawing from the World Relays due to injury, AFI president Adille Sumariwalla defended Ramesh’s selection, citing his status as the team’s top runner and his current fitness level.
Doping Suspension Derails D.P. Manu’s Olympic Aspirations
Javelin thrower D.P. Manu, who qualified for the Olympics through world rankings, faced a crushing blow when a provisional doping suspension disqualified him from competing.
Indian Athletes to Make Historic Debut in Mixed Relay Event
The Olympic athletics competition, scheduled from August 1st to 11th, will witness an unprecedented event: the marathon race-walk mixed relay. This new format will feature Indian athletes vying for glory on the global stage.
Key Takeaways:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Athletics Team | 28 athletes, including Neeraj Chopra and several Asian Games champions. |
| Controversy | Kiran Pahal excluded from relay team despite outstanding performance. |
| Notable Inclusions | Rajesh Ramesh included in relay despite injury concerns. |
| Doping Suspension | D.P. Manu disqualified due to provisional doping suspension. |
| Olympic Debut | Indian athletes to compete in the new marathon race-walk mixed relay event. |
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
