Annu Rani Misses Asian Games Squad as Avinash Sable Seals Steeplechase Spot

The Athletics Federation of India has confirmed that Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist Annu Rani has been left out of the national squad for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after failing to achieve the mandated qualification benchmark. Competing at the Indian Athletics Final Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, Rani won gold in the women's javelin throw with an effort of 57.50 meters, but fell exactly 12 centimeters short of the federation's 57.62-meter qualification mark.

The stringent selection decision highlights the governing body's strict policy of prioritizing absolute performance benchmarks over past achievements. While Rani missed out, star distance runner Avinash Sable made a successful return to action after a 14-month injury hiatus, comfortably clearing the steeplechase qualification mark and securing approval for a double-event campaign at the continental sports showpiece in Japan.

Rani entered the final selection trial at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium seeking to lock in her spot on the Indian team. Despite securing victory in the women's javelin competition, her throw of 57.50 meters failed to satisfy the firm benchmark established by national selectors. The Athletics Federation of India had issued explicit notices to all competing athletes prior to the meet, clarifying that failure to attain the designated distance would result in automatic exclusion from the Asian Games roster.

Addressing the strict enforcement of the benchmark, Athletics Federation of India planning committee chairman Lalit K Bhanot reiterated the federation's unyielding position regarding contingent selection. "Anyone who has not achieved the qualification standard will not be sent to the Asian Games. That was the AFI's clear position. So, if Annu Rani has not qualified, she will not go. Those who have not achieved the mark will not be part of the contingent," Bhanot stated, confirming that no exemptions would be made for defending champions.

In contrast to Rani's exclusion, 31-year-old distance runner Avinash Sable delivered a standout performance following a 14-month absence from official competition. Sable was sidelined after suffering an ACL and meniscus injury when he stumbled at the water jump during the Monaco Diamond League last year, requiring surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation before returning to high-level racing.

Contesting his primary 3,000-meter steeplechase event at the New Delhi meet, Sable clocked 8:32.39 to win gold, comfortably beating the Asian Games qualification threshold of 8:36.57. The performance enables him to defend the steeplechase title he captured at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Officials also confirmed that Sable will contest the men's 5,000 meters in Japan after the Olympic Council of Asia and local organizers accepted his dual entry.

Bhanot emphasized that Sable's participation in the secondary event depended entirely on proving his fitness and form in his specialty discipline during the New Delhi trials. "He will compete in both events. We discussed his participation in the 5,000m with the Games organisers, and that has been cleared," Bhanot said. He added, "If Sable had not qualified in the 3,000m steeplechase here, he would not have competed in the event either."

Beyond the direct selection decisions, the Athletics Federation of India has mandated physical readiness evaluations for several top athletes who are returning from health setbacks. Hangzhou Games 100-meter hurdles silver medallist Jyothi Yarraji, Commonwealth Games high-jump medallist Sarvesh Anil Kushare, and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel have all been instructed to furnish formal medical fitness certificates before travelling.

All three athletes are working their way back from recent injuries and must demonstrate full recovery to federation officials. Officials noted that failing to submit the required fitness certification could prevent them from travelling to Japan, as the athletics body aims to avoid entering compromised athletes into competition.

The Indian Athletics Final Series was also featured by a national record performance in the field events, where hammer thrower Tanya Chaudhary produced the solitary national record of the New Delhi meet. Chaudhary recorded a throw of 68.35 meters to set the record and take gold in compelling fashion.

In other major events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ancy Sojan secured gold in the women's long jump with a leap of 6.76 meters. Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor captured gold in his event by recording a top throw of 20.64 meters, reinforcing his positioning ahead of continental competition.

The 20th edition of the Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, running from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The quadrennial competition will host athletes from 45 Asian nations competing across a wide array of sports disciplines.

India is preparing to send a broad delegation across sports including athletics, shooting, boxing, wrestling, badminton, hockey, archery, kabaddi, and cricket. With the track and field trials now concluded, national selectors will finalize the formal roster as medical clearances are completed.