Asian Games 2026: Annu Rani, Shahnavaz and Nithya dropped from athletics contingent
FILE PHOTO: Reigning Asian Games champion Annu Rani failed to meet the qualifying standard during the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
FILE PHOTO: Reigning Asian Games champion Annu Rani failed to meet the qualifying standard during the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
Javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan and sprinter Nithya Gandhe have been dropped from the Indian track and field contingent for the upcoming Asian Games due to poor performance and fitness issues.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had initially named a 77-member squad for the upcoming continental showpiece which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
However, the selection of Annu, the reigning Asian Games champion, was subject to her meeting the qualifying standard of 57.62m at the Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi on Thursday.
While the 34-year-old won gold, her best attempt was only 57.50m - 12cm shorter than the mark set by AFI.
Nithya, selected for the women’s sprint relay, finished ninth in women’s 100m after clocking 11.93s while Shahnavaz stood sixth in long jump with a leap of 7.43m.
“Annu did not achieve qualification mark (set by AFI) in the final trial (on Thursday), hence not selected for the Asian Games,” AFI Selection Committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla told PTI.
“Nithya and Shahnavaz will not go for Asian Games due to poor performance and medical reasons,” he added.
The decision to leave out the trio was taken at a virtual conference of the AFI Selection Committee on Friday.
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