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Injuries and doping scandals shake up India's Asian Games squad
4 Sep
Summary
- Neeraj Chopra replaced by Yashvir Singh due to injury.
- Abhishek Pal dropped amid doping allegation investigation.
- Team size finalized at 77 with six new additions.
The Indian athletics contingent for the Asian Games in Japan has been finalized, with key changes impacting the roster. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh has been named as a replacement for the injured star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal has been removed from the team after receiving a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regarding an alleged doping offense. The final squad now comprises 77 athletes, including six recent additions, following the omissions.
Men's 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse is also out due to an injury sustained during the Commonwealth Games. While Abhishek Pal's doping sample showed a substance below the threshold, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) opted to remove him to avoid any potential controversy during the investigation. The AFI aims for the athletics team to secure between 25 to 30 medals at the upcoming Games.
