Yashvir Singh Replaces Neeraj Chopra in Team; 77 Athletes Selected

New Delhi: Neeraj Chopra will miss the Asian Games due to an injury, and Yashvir Singh—a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist—has been selected to replace him. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced a 77-member Indian track and field squad on Thursday; long-distance athlete Abhishek Pal was excluded from the team after receiving a notice regarding a doping issue. Tejas Shirse was also not selected for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, as he had sustained an injury during the Commonwealth Games.

What did the AFI say about Yashvir Singh’s selection?
AFI President Bahadur Singh Saggu explained why Yashvir Singh was chosen to replace Neeraj Chopra. He stated, “We have included Yashvir, a Commonwealth Games medalist, in the team in place of Neeraj Chopra. Neeraj Chopra is currently injured, which is why Yashvir has been given a spot.” He added, “Long-distance athlete Abhishek Pal has been dropped from the team due to health-related issues.”

What did the AFI say about Abhishek Pal?
Abhishek Pal had received a notice from NADA after a substance associated with female fertility enhancement was detected in his doping sample. Although officials noted that the levels were below the prescribed threshold, the AFI stated that it did not wish to take any risks in this matter; consequently, Abhishek was excluded.

Which athletes made it to the Asian Games team?
Athletes included in the Asian Games squad feature 200m runner Harita Bhadra, quarter-miler Kiran Pahal, pole vaulter Sindhushree G, triple jumper Asha Ilango, discus thrower Sanya Yadav, and hammer thrower Praveen Kumar. Gulveer Singh and Parul Chaudhary will compete in three events each at the Asian Games. Gulveer will run in the 10,000m, 5,000m, and 1,500m events, while Parul will compete in the 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m, and 1,500m.