NEW DELHI, JULY 4 :  In a monumental announcement, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has revealed that a formidable 28-member team, spearheaded by the legendary Neeraj Chopra, will represent the nation at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

This highly anticipated squad is brimming with talent, passion, and the potential to etch their names in the annals of sporting history.

Neeraj, the trailblazing javelin thrower who made history by clinching India’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field three years ago, is back to defend his title.

Accompanying him in the men’s javelin throw event is Olympic debutant Kishore Jena, promising a thrilling competition. Annu Rani, the reigning Asian Games gold medalist, will showcase her prowess in the women’s javelin throw, aiming to replicate her continental success on the grandest stage.

The squad for Paris is a blend of seasoned Olympians and promising newcomers, including eight athletes from the Tokyo 2020 contingent. The men’s team comprises 17 athletes, with the women contributing 11, each bringing their unique flair and tenacity.

Notable returnees from Tokyo include the indomitable Avinash Sable, a top contender in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, and the formidable shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor. Race walker Priyanka Goswami and 4x400m relay stalwarts Muhammed Anas, Amoj Jacob, and Subha Venkatesan also join the ranks, with Anas marking his third consecutive Olympic appearance, underscoring his endurance and consistency.

Making their Olympic debuts are rising stars like hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, shot putter Abha Khatua, and steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary.

Chaudhary stands out, being the sole athlete to compete in two individual events—the 3000m steeplechase and the 5000m race. Her impressive double medal haul at the Asian Games—a gold in the 5000m and a silver in the 3000m steeplechase—hints at her potential to shine in Paris.

The race walk events feature national record-holder Akshdeep Singh, alongside Vikash Singh and Paramjeet Singh Bisht, who will tackle the men’s 20km race walk. Suraj Panwar will compete in the mixed marathon event with Priyanka Goswami, a testament to the depth of India’s race walking talent.

Despite fierce competition, Suraj Panwar secured his spot through world rankings, with Ram Baboo narrowly missing out due to the stringent selection limits.

In the men’s long jump, Murali Sreeshankar, who met the entry standard, unfortunately, won’t compete due to an injury. Jeswin Aldrin, another long jumper, narrowly missed the initial qualification but holds a glimmer of hope for inclusion pending the final World Athletics list on July 7.
Athletics team for Paris 2024:

Avinash Sable (men’s 3000m steeplechase), Neeraj Chopra (men’s javelin throw), Kishore Jena (men’s javelin throw), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (men’s shot put), Praveen Chithravel (men’s triple jump), Abdulla Aboobacker (men’s triple jump), Sarvesh Kushare (men’s high jump), Akshdeep Singh (men’s 20km race walk), Vikash Singh (men’s 20km race walk), Paramjeet Singh Bisht (men’s 20km race walk), Muhammed Anas (men’s 4x400m relay).

Muhammed Ajmal (men’s 4x400m relay), Amoj Jacob (men’s 4x400m relay), Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (men’s 4x400m relay), Rajesh Ramesh (men’s 4x400m relay), Mijo Chacko Kurian (men’s 4x400m relay), Suraj Panwar (race walk mixed marathon), Kiran Pahal (women’s 400m), Parul Chaudhary (women’s 3000m steeplechase and 5000m), Jyothi Yarraji (women’s 100m hurdles).

Annu Rani (women’s javelin throw), Abha Khatua (women’s shot put), Jyothika Sri Dandi (women’s 4x400m relay), Subha Venkatesan (women’s 4x400m relay), Vithya Ramraj (women’s 4x400m relay), MR Poovamma (women’s 4x400m relay), Prachi (women’s 4x400m relay), Priyanka Goswami (women’s 20km race walk and race walk mixed marathon). (UNI)