Spotlight on Dutee, Chopra as AFI names 95-strong squad

New Delhi: The focus will be on sprinters Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda and Amiya Kumar Malick to secure podium finishes as India announced a 95-member squad, including 47 women, for the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship, to be held at Bhubaneswar from July 5 to 9.

The Athletics Federation of India believes the hosts’ performance at the refurbished Kalinga Stadium will enhance the profile of track and field sport in the country.

India won 13 medals (four gold, five sliver, four bronze) in the 2015 edition of the event at Wuhan, China, and expects to improve on that mark.

“Our athletes have had a string of solid performances in the run-up to the competition and we believe they are primed to deliver their best here,” AFI president Adille Sumariwalla said. “We are sure they will win more than the 13 medals claimed in the last edition at Wuhan.” Spotlight will also be on javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Annu Rani.

The entry of seven athletes, hurdler-long jumper Nayana James, triple jumper Joyline Murali Lobo, discus thrower Vikas Gowda, long jumper Siddharth Mohan Naik, triple jumper Karthik U and high hurdler Siddhanth Thingalaya, is subject to their passing of fitness trials.