The Indian athletics contingent has officially departed for Tianjin, China, to compete at the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026, carrying with it a blend of national record holders, emerging talents and multi-event specialists who will take on Asia’s best under the roof.
The 17-member squad, competing across sprint, jumps, throws and combined events, represents India’s strongest indoor lineup in recent years, reflecting the federation’s growing focus on performance in the winter circuit.
Indoor championships are a very different battleground compared to outdoor athletics. Races are shorter, tracks are tighter, take-off boards and run-ups are faster, and reaction times become even more decisive. For Indian athletes, this event is not just a medal opportunity but also a vital step in adjusting to the technical demands of indoor competitions, something increasingly important as global qualification pathways continue to value indoor performances.
A squad built around power, speed and technical depth
India’s men’s team is headlined by national record holder Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who will compete in the shot put. Toor remains India’s biggest medal hope in Tianjin. The Asian indoor title has historically been a strong event for Indian throwers, and Toor’s presence gives India genuine podium credentials. His ability to consistently clear 19 metres indoors makes him one of the few athletes in the field capable of challenging the dominant Chinese and Kazakh throwers.
Alongside him is Samardeep Singh Gill, another powerful shot putter, who adds depth to India’s throwing unit. Together, the pair gives India a realistic shot at both a final and a medal, something rarely possible in indoor competitions.
India’s jumping contingent is equally strong. Praveen Chithravel, one of Asia’s most consistent triple jumpers, will look to build on his continental reputation. He has repeatedly shown he can handle pressure in major championships, and indoor triple jump with its shorter runway often rewards athletes with superior rhythm and technique, something Praveen possesses in abundance.
In the horizontal jumps, C V Anurag and Shahnawaz Khan will contest the long jump, while J Adarsh Ram will represent India in the high jump. The indoor format often produces surprising results in jumps due to tighter take-off windows, making consistency more valuable than raw personal bests — a trait Adarsh Ram brings to the competition.
Perhaps the most versatile athlete in the squad is Tejaswin Shankar, who will compete in the heptathlon, the indoor equivalent of the decathlon. With seven events packed into two intense days, the heptathlon tests speed, strength, endurance and technical ability. Tejaswin’s growing experience on the international circuit makes him one of India’s most credible prospects for a top-six finish.
Sprinting and hurdling take centre stage
The Indian sprint squad reflects a renewed emphasis on explosive speed. Manikanta Hoblidhar will race in the men’s 60m, while Tejas Shirse competes in the 60m hurdles. Shirse has emerged as India’s fastest indoor hurdler in recent seasons, and the shorter hurdle race suits his aggressive start and technical clearance.
On the women’s side, Nithya Gandhe and Abhinaya Rajarajan will represent India in the 60m. Both are still in the developmental phase of their careers, but indoor championships offer valuable exposure against Asia’s fastest starters, especially athletes from China, Japan and Iran, who traditionally dominate these short sprints.
In women’s hurdles, India fields Moumita Mondal and Pragyan Prasanti Sahu, giving the team depth in the technically demanding 60m hurdles. Indoor hurdling leaves no room for hesitation one clipped barrier can end medal hopes making championship composure critical.
Women’s field events bring stability
India’s women’s field athletes provide some of the squad’s most stable medal-potential performances. Ancy Sojan will contest the long jump, an event where India has quietly become competitive in Asia. With consistent six-metre jumping, Ancy has the ability to sneak into a final if she finds her rhythm early.
In the high jump, Pooja will take on a field often led by athletes from Kazakhstan, China and Japan. Meanwhile, Yogita represents India in the shot put, another event where indoor performances can sometimes differ sharply from outdoor form.
The women’s combined events will be led by K A Anamika in the pentathlon, a five-event contest requiring endurance and technical discipline. Combined event athletes often benefit from indoor meets, where controlled conditions allow consistency across events.
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The Asian Indoor Championships have grown in importance as global athletics increasingly values indoor rankings and performances. For Indian athletes, Tianjin is not just about medals it is about learning how to race, jump and throw in conditions very different from outdoor stadiums.
With China, Kazakhstan, Iran and Japan sending strong squads, India will be up against Asia’s toughest competitors. But with experienced campaigners like Toor, Praveen and Tejaswin, combined with a new generation of sprinters and hurdlers, the Indian team travels with genuine ambition.
For Indian athletics, every indoor outing builds toward a bigger goal: becoming competitive year-round, not just during the outdoor season. Tianjin 2026 is another step in that journey and one that could well produce some memorable performances under the roof.
Indian team for Asian Indoor Athletics Championships
Men: Manikanta Hoblidhar (60m), Tejas Shirse (60m hurdles), J Adrash Ram (High jump), CV Anurag and Shahnawaz Khan (Long jump), Praveen Chithravel (Triple jump), Samardeep Singh Gill, Tajinderpal Toor (Shot put), Tejaswin Shankar (Heptathlon).
Women: Nithya Gandhe, Abhinaya Rajarajan (60m), Moumita Mondal and Pragyan Prasanti Sahu (60m hurdles), Pooja (High jump), Ancy Sojan and Moumita Mondal (Long jump), Yogita (Shot put) and KA Anamika (Pentathlon).
