New Delhi: Nine Indian athletes have secured world rankings to qualify for the Paris Games following the updated list of qualifiers released by World Athletics.
A provisional suspension of DP Manu in the men’s javelin throw event means that eight athletes have qualified based on their rankings. This brings the total number of Indian athletes (including three relay teams) possibly participating in the Olympics to 16.
The final entry list will be confirmed by the world body on July 8, once the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) submits its final list.
Parul Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh has qualified to represent the country in two events. She secured the 34th rank in the women’s 5000m and had already booked her place in the 3000m steeplechase in Budapest last August.
Additionally, Indian women athletes Jyothi Yarraji, Abha Khatua, and Annu Rani have qualified for the 100m hurdles, shot put, and javelin throw events, respectively. In the men’s section, Sarvesh Kushare of Nashik has qualified for the high jump in the 29th position.
It’s worth noting that if Tejaswin Shankar had achieved the qualifying mark, two Indian high jumpers could have made their Olympic debut.
The updated list also includes Tajinderpal Singh Toor in the shot put, Abdulla Narangolintevida and Praveen Chithravel in the triple jump, and nine other Indian athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, who had already met the entry standard.
Unfortunately, due to an injury, long jumper M Sreeshankar will not be able to participate in the Paris Games.
Finally, three Indian relay teams, including both the men’s and women’s 4×400 meters relay teams, along with the mixed marathon race walking team, have qualified for Paris.
