Indian medal contenders at Asian Athletics Championships 2025

The 2025 Asian Athletics Championships kicks off tomorrow (May 27) in Gumi, Republic of Korea, and runs until May 31. Here we look at the medal prospects for India.

India is sending a strong 60-member contingent, and expectations are high for another big medal haul.

India enjoyed an excellent outing at the 2023 edition, collecting 27 medals – 6 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze – a benchmark that the team will be keen to match or surpass this time.

Top Medal Contenders

India is fielding a combination of defending champions, rising stars, and proven performers. Here are some of the biggest names to watch:

1. Jyothi Yarraji – The reigning Asian champion in the women’s 100m hurdles, Jyothi also clinched silver in the 200m last time. She will look to defend her title and possibly add more to her tally.
2. Parul Chaudhary – Defending champion in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Parul is coming off a national record-breaking run at the 2025 Diamond League.
3. Abdulla Aboobacker – A strong favorite in the men’s triple jump, where he is the defending champion and a consistent 17m+ jumper.
4. Mixed 4x400m Relay Team – Gold medallists from the last edition, the Indian quartet will aim to retain their crown.
5. Annu Rani – The national champion and former Asian gold medallist in the women’s javelin throw, Annu is determined to reclaim the top spot.
6. Avinash Sable – National record holder in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Sable remains a strong medal contender.
7. Tejaswin Shankar – Competing in the decathlon, Tejaswin’s all-round athletic ability makes him a serious podium threat.
8. Animesh Kujur – After recently breaking the national 200m record, Animesh will be one to watch in the men’s 200m.
9. Shaili Singh – Silver medallist in the women’s long jump last time, she’ll be chasing gold this time around.
10. Vithya Ramraj – A consistent performer in both the 400m and 400m hurdles, she was a bronze medallist at the Asian Games and is vital to India’s relay hopes.
11. Rupal Chaudhary – Another key figure in the 400m and relays, Rupal adds depth and speed to India’s sprint squad.
12. Gulveer Singh – A rising force in long-distance events, Gulveer will lead India in the 5000m and 10000m.
13. Sachin Yadav & Yashvir Singh – With Neeraj Chopra not competing, the duo will carry India’s challenge in the men’s javelin throw.
14. Twinkle Chaudhary – Recently broke the Federation Cup record in the women’s 800m and is in peak form.
15. Praveen Chithravel – The national record holder (17.37m) in the triple jump, Praveen adds to India’s strong medal chances in an event where a double podium finish is possible.

Other Medal Prospects & Rising Stars

India’s depth extends beyond the headliners, with several promising names set to make their mark:

• Men’s 4x100m relay team – Recently created a new national record and are strong medal contenders.
• Pooja – Just 18 years old, she’s a talent to watch in the women’s high jump.
• Men’s 4x400m relay team – Featuring Vishal TK, Jay Kumar, Manu TS, Dharamveer Chaudhary, Rince Joseph, Tushar Kanti, Santosh Kumar, Mohit Kumar, the squad has both depth and experience.
• Women’s 4x400m relay team – With Rupal Chaudhary, Subha Venkatesan, Jisna Mathew, Kunja Rajitha, and Sandramol Sabu, India has a strong lineup to challenge for the podium.
• Nandini Agasara – Only 22 years old, she’ll compete in the women’s heptathlon and is tipped for a breakthrough.
• Ancy Sojan – Alongside Shaili Singh, Ancy is a serious medal hopeful in the women’s long jump.
• Servin Sebastian & Amit – Competing in the 20km race walk, traditionally dominated by Japan and China. Amit, just 22, is a talent to monitor.
• Yoonus Shah – A rising name in the men’s 1500m, looking to make an impression on the continental stage.
• Sarvesh Kushare – Silver medallist in the high jump last time, aiming to upgrade to gold.
• Abhishek Pal – Will compete in the men’s 10,000m, looking to replicate his previous success in Gumi.

Outlook: Balanced Squad, Big Goals

While some notable names like Tajinder Pal Singh Toor and Ajay Kumar Saroj are missing, India is still fielding a formidable squad with a strong blend of experienced campaigners and young talent.

With multiple defending champions and several national record-holders in action, India looks well-placed for a strong medal showing in Gumi.

Shaili singh

Stay tuned for an exciting week of athletics as Team India chases glory at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships.

Best of luck to all our athletes!