India’s next generation of track and field stars is ready for its biggest continental test yet.
A talented 54-member Indian squad featuring some of the country’s most exciting young athletes will head to Ordos, China, for the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships from July 9 to 12, carrying both medal hopes and the promise of the future.
The team blends proven international performers with emerging talents who have been making waves on the domestic circuit, setting up what could be a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Among the biggest attractions will be long jumper Shaili Singh, one of India’s most recognisable young athletics stars. The Uttar Pradesh athlete burst onto the global stage with a silver medal at the 2021 World U20 Championships and has since established herself at the senior level. With a personal best of 6.76m, the national U20 record holder enters the competition as one of India’s strongest medal contenders.
Another athlete expected to be in the spotlight is race walker Aarti, who captured a bronze medal at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima. The Haryana athlete will step up to compete in the women’s 21km race walk, aiming to add another international medal to her growing collection.
The men’s squad is equally loaded with talent.
Madhya Pradesh pole vaulters Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar, who jointly hold the national record at 5.45m, will spearhead India’s challenge in one of the most competitive field events. Both athletes have consistently pushed Indian pole vaulting to new heights and will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
Rising steeplechase runner Sharuk Khan has emerged as another athlete to watch. The Uttar Pradesh distance specialist has steadily built a reputation as one of the country’s brightest endurance prospects and will look to challenge Asia’s best in the gruelling 3,000m steeplechase.
India’s javelin tradition will also be represented by Maharashtra’s Shivam Lohakare, who arrives in China hoping to continue the country’s rich legacy in the event that has captured the imagination of Indian sports fans in recent years.
The squad features strength across disciplines, from sprint relays and middle-distance races to jumps, throws, race walks and combined events, reflecting the growing depth of Indian athletics.
Athletics Federation of India President Bahadur Singh Sagoo believes the young Indian contingent has the ability to leave a lasting impression at the championship.
“Youngsters in the national team will surely make a big impression in next month’s Asian U23 track and field meet in China,” Sagoo said.
The Asian U23 Championships will serve as a crucial platform for athletes hoping to bridge the gap between junior success and senior international competition. For many members of the Indian squad, it represents an opportunity to announce themselves on the continental stage and stake a claim for future major championships, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
With established youth stars, national record holders and a wave of emerging talent all travelling to Ordos, India will arrive in China with genuine ambitions of finishing among the championship’s leading nations.
The future of Indian athletics is heading to Ordos — and it looks brighter than ever.