Indian Athletics Ready for Strong Opening Day at Asian Indoor Championships 2026

Indian athletics contingent begins its campaign at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 on February 6 in Tianjin with a compact but high-quality lineup spread across technical, power and sprint events.

With start lists confirmed, Day 1 promises meaningful action for India, featuring medal contenders, developing multi-event athletes and emerging speedsters all competing in the unforgiving indoor environment where margins are measured in centimetres and hundredths of a second.

Indoor championships demand a different kind of excellence. Shorter runways, tighter curves and the absence of weather variables place a premium on rhythm, precision and adaptability. For Indian athletes, Tianjin offers both a challenge and an opportunity to test preparation against Asia’s best and to set the tone early in the competition.

KA Anamika anchors India’s pentathlon challenge

The centrepiece of India’s Day 1 schedule is KA Anamika, who begins her women’s pentathlon campaign—a five-discipline test of speed, strength and endurance that unfolds across the day. Anamika will contest the 60m hurdles, high jump and shot put in the morning session before returning for the long jump and 800m in the evening.

Pentathlon success indoors hinges on consistency rather than isolated brilliance. A clean hurdles run and a controlled high jump can build early momentum, while shot put often separates contenders before the final two events. For Anamika, the long jump is expected to be a key scoring phase, while the 800m will demand tactical clarity and resilience after a long day of competition. A steady accumulation across events could place her firmly in contention as the standings take shape.

Praveen Chithravel eyes impact in men’s triple jump

India’s strongest medal prospect on Day 1 is Praveen Chithravel, who lines up in the men’s triple jump final. Chithravel has been one of India’s most reliable performers in the horizontal jumps over the past two seasons, and the indoor setting suits athletes with strong take-off mechanics and stable phase distribution.

With limited attempts and no room for error, early rhythm will be critical. A solid opening jump can ease pressure and allow refinement across subsequent rounds. The Asian indoor field traditionally features powerful jumpers from West and East Asia, but Chithravel’s consistency gives him a genuine chance to challenge the podium if he can find the board cleanly and maintain balance through the hop-step-jump sequence.

The men’s 60m is one of the most explosive events of the indoor programme, and Manikanta Hoblidhar will represent India in the heats. Indoors, the start is everything. With no curve and a straight dash to the line, reaction time and drive phase determine qualification.

For Hoblidhar, progression beyond the heats would be a significant statement, particularly against specialists from sprint-heavy nations. Even a strong heat performance can offer valuable exposure at this level, sharpening competitive instincts for future continental and global meets.

India’s strength contingent is led by Yogita in the women’s shot put final. Indoor shot put places emphasis on rhythm within the circle and efficient release angles rather than raw power alone. With fewer throws available, consistency across all attempts becomes crucial. Yogita will aim to settle early and build steadily through the competition.

In the men’s high jump final, J Adarsh Ram will take on a technically demanding field. Indoor high jump often rewards athletes who manage their opening heights wisely and maintain composure as the bar rises quickly. Clearance efficiency, rather than peak height alone, can decide final standings.

Day 1 may not feature a large Indian contingent, but it offers substance. A multi-event campaign, a genuine medal opportunity in triple jump, sprint exposure at continental level and representation in power and technical events together reflect a balanced approach to the championships.

Beyond results, the opening day will be about adapting quickly to indoor conditions understanding runway feel, timing warm-ups precisely and managing energy across sessions. These factors often decide championships as much as physical readiness.

As India’s athletes take to the track and field in Tianjin, Day 1 represents the first test of preparation and nerve. Strong performances here can generate momentum for the days ahead and reinforce India’s growing presence on the Asian indoor stage.

Morning
7:35 K A Anamika – 60m H Pentathlon
8:15 K A Anamika – HJ Pentathlon
8:35 Praveen Chithravel – TJ M Final
9:38 Manikanta H – M 60m Round 1 Heat 5
10:00 K.A. Anamika – SP Pentathlon

Evening
3:45 STQ – M 60m Semis
3:50 K.A. Anamika – LJ Pentathlon
3:55 Yogita – SP W Final
4:10 JS Adarsh Ram HJ M Final
5:14 K.A. Anamika – 800m Pentathlon
5:24 STQ – M 60m Final