National Open Athletics Championships set for post-Asian Games test in New Delhi

File Image: Baranica Elangovan is among the Asian Games medallists entered for the National Open Athletics Championships in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

The Asian Games have just got over but Indian athletics has already moved on with the 65th National Open Championships scheduled to be held here from Thursday.

The four-day competition featuring 78 medal events – 41 men and 35 women – has received entries from several of those who were in action in Aichi-Nagoya although it remains to be seen how many actually turn up in the season-ending competition at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after a hectic 2026.

Among the big names are M.R. Poovamma and Kiran Pahal, who won India’s only track and field gold in the 4x400m relay, and the two pole vaulters in Japan, Baranica Elangovan and Sindhushree. Shaili Singh also finds her name in triple jump along with Anushka Yadav in hammer throw.

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Among the men, meet record holder Manikanta Hoblidhar, Amiya Mallick and Lalu Prasad Bhoi will be the names to look out for in the 100m while Dharamveer Chaudhary and Jay Kumar, part of the Indian bronze-winning 4x400m relay squad, have confirmed entries.

Interestingly, Abhishek Pal, who was dropped from the Indian squad for Asiad after being served notice for doping, figures among the entries in both 5000m and 10000m. Aadarsh Ram and silver medallist Sarvesh Kushare also find their names in the high jump, as does David Solomon in long jump. Nirbhay Chaudhary, who recently set a new national record in hammer throw, is also entered. Decathlete Thowfeeq N., who withdrew after Day One, is present.

However, most of the big names are expected to give the event a miss and focus on rest and recovery ahead of the next season. The final list of participants who actually turn up will only be known on the morning of the competition.