Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India Reshapes Asian Games Athletics Team Amid Injury, Doping Concerns
India changed its athletics team for the upcoming Asian Games.
Yashvir Singh will compete in javelin instead of the injured Neeraj Chopra.
Tejas Shirse was also removed because he is injured.
Abhishek Pal was dropped after an anti-doping notice, although officials said the substance found in his sample was below the threshold and the investigation is continuing.
Six other athletes were added to the team.
This made the final team 77 athletes.
Avinash Sable is confirmed for the 3000m steeplechase.
India is asking organizers to let him also run the 5000m, but he must first meet the qualification mark.
Yashvir Singh has replaced injured javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in India’s Asian Games athletics squad.
Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal was dropped after receiving a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency.
Men’s 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse was omitted following an injury sustained during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Six athletes were added after the Indian Olympic Association’s request was accepted by Asian Games organizers, bringing the team to 77.
The Athletics Federation of India has asked for Avinash Sable to compete in the 5000m, subject to qualification and organizers’ approval.
- Who
- The Athletics Federation of India, Indian athletes, the Indian Olympic Association, and Asian Games organizers are involved.
- What
- India finalized a 77-member athletics team after replacing, dropping, and adding athletes.
- When
- The Asian Games are scheduled for September 19 to October 4; the team was announced on Thursday, with a qualification event set for September 10.
- Where
- The Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; the team was announced in Ludhiana, and the qualification event will be in New Delhi.
- Why
- Changes were made because of injuries, an ongoing anti-doping investigation, and requests to add athletes or events.
Federation’s Risk-Based Decision
Procedural and Athlete Concerns
Abhishek Pal’s removal
Federation’s Risk-Based Decision
AFI officials said Pal was not technically reported as doping positive because the substance was below the threshold, but they dropped him to avoid taking risks while NADA investigates.
Procedural and Athlete Concerns
Pal’s case remains under investigation, meaning the notice does not represent a concluded finding of a doping violation according to the officials quoted.
Late athlete additions
Federation’s Risk-Based Decision
AFI and the Indian Olympic Association sought to add six athletes, and the Olympic Council of Asia and Asian Games organizers accepted their entries.
Procedural and Athlete Concerns
The six athletes were not included in the long list submitted several months earlier, making their inclusion a late change to the squad.
Avinash Sable’s second event
Federation’s Risk-Based Decision
AFI wants Sable to compete in the 5000m in addition to his confirmed 3000m steeplechase event.
Procedural and Athlete Concerns
Sable can enter the 5000m only if he meets AFI’s qualification mark and receives clearance from the Asian Games organizers.
- Final athletics team
- 77 athletes
- Asian Games dates
- September 19-October 4
- Neeraj Chopra replacement
- Yashvir Singh
- Athletes omitted
- Abhishek Pal and Tejas Shirse
- New additions
- Harita Bhadra, Kiran Pahal, Sindhushree G, I Asha Ilango, Sanya Yadav, and Praveen Kumar
- Avinash Sable
- Confirmed for the 3000m steeplechase; his proposed 5000m entry requires qualification and organizer approval
- Anti-doping status
- NADA’s investigation into Abhishek Pal is continuing; officials said the detected substance was below the threshold
