Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will lead the 28-member Indian athletics contingent for the Paris Olympics. India’s athletics team consists of 17 men’s and 11 women’s athletes. Long jumper M. Venkatesh, who was ruled out of the Olympics due to an injury despite qualifying for the Olympics, Jeswin Aldrin is expected to replace Sreeshankar. With this, the strength will be 29.
Aldrin was just one place behind in the qualifying rankings. Those in the top 32 will get a chance while the player’s is 33. The list of athletes who have qualified but have not been able to participate should be communicated to the World Athletics Federation by midnight on July 4. Instead of those who get eliminated, those in the next rank will get a chance. The final list will be published on July 7.
Asian Games gold medalists Avinash Sable, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Jyoti Yarazi, who is set to become the first Indian to compete at the Olympics in the 100m hurdles, are all part of the Indian contingent. The 4x400m relay team also features Malayali players like Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, and Amoj Jacob.