Now Reading: Eight UP athletes set for Asian Games medal push in Japan
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Eight UP athletes set for Asian Games medal push in Japan
Uttar Pradesh has contributed eight athletes to the Indian contingent for the Asian Games in Japan, set for September-October. The state's representatives, across distance running, jumps, throws, sprints and race walk, include…
Uttar Pradesh has contributed eight athletes to the Indian contingent for the Asian Games in Japan, set for September-October. The state's representatives, across distance running, jumps, throws, sprints and race walk, include several of India's strongest medal prospects, among them national record holders and recent global finalists.
Distance runner Gulveer Singh, the reigning Asian champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and Parul Chaudhary, India's most decorated female distance runner at Asian level, are top contenders. Javelin throwers Rohit Yadav, with a career-best 87.05m, and reigning Asian Games champion Annu Rani also lead the charge. Others include long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, who broke the junior national record twice in 2026, and veteran race walker Priyanka, a two-time Olympian.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Uttar Pradesh's eight-member athletics contingent is the largest from any state for this Asian Games, reflecting a deepening talent pipeline outside traditional strongholds like Haryana and Kerala. The state's athletes have won medals in every edition since 2010, and this year's group includes three who already hold Asian titles. The September event in Japan will test whether Gulveer Singh can convert his Commonwealth Games double into a first Asian Games gold in the men's distance events, and whether Parul Chaudhary can add a steeplechase medal to her 5,000m gold from Hangzhou. The athletics federation's selection committee will finalise relay teams closer to the Games.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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