Archive · 7 Oct 2026
India’s Top Athletes Target Records and Comebacks at National Open
India’s National Open Athletics Championships is starting in New Delhi.
Many leading athletes will compete for medals.
Nirbhay Choudhary wants to throw the hammer farther than his recent national record.
Manikanta Hoblidhar is racing again after an injury and hopes to win the 100-metre race.
Race walkers will compete over 21 kilometres.
Abhishek Pal is allowed to take part in two long-distance races while an alleged anti-doping matter remains unresolved.
Several Asian Games medallists have also entered.
The first day includes finals in seven events.
The 65th National Open Athletics Championships begins Thursday in New Delhi, with seven track and field event finals scheduled on opening day.
Hammer thrower Nirbhay Choudhary is seeking to improve on his national record of 71.02 metres, set last month.
Sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar is returning after an April injury and hopes to win the 100m after running 10.46 seconds at a state-level meet.
Race walkers Servin Sebastian, Paramjeet Singh Bisht and Suraj Panwar will compete in the men’s 21km half marathon race walk.
Abhishek Pal is entered in the 5000m and 10000m after a NADA panel permitted him to compete despite an alleged anti-doping violation notice.
- Who
- India’s leading athletes, including Nirbhay Choudhary, Manikanta Hoblidhar, race walkers and Abhishek Pal.
- What
- The 65th National Open Athletics Championships, featuring track and field events and medal contests.
- When
- It begins Thursday; the article does not specify a calendar date.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Athletes are competing for medals and seeking records, personal bests or strong performances.
Participation allowed
Selection consequences
Abhishek Pal’s competition status
Participation allowed
A NADA panel allowed Pal to continue competing, and he has entered the 5000m and 10000m.
Selection consequences
The Athletics Federation of India dropped Pal from the Asian Games team after he received a notice concerning an alleged anti-doping violation.
- Championship
- 65th National Open Athletics Championships
- Location
- New Delhi
- Duration
- Four days
- Choudhary’s national record
- 71.02 metres in the hammer throw, set last month
- Hoblidhar’s recent 100m time
- 10.46 seconds at a state-level meet
- Pal’s events
- 5000m and 10000m
- Opening-day finals
- Finals in seven track and field events are scheduled