New Delhi is buzzing with anticipation as Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President Bahadur Singh Sagoo announced the 12-member Indian squad for the Asian Cross-Country Championships set to unfold in Fukuoka, Japan, on February 21. The team departs for Japan on Wednesday, carrying the nation’s hopes on rugged terrains.
Leading the senior men’s charge is Army’s Harmanjot Singh, who will compete in the grueling 10km race. In the under-20 men’s category over 8km, Aditya Gurjar, Abhinandan Suryavanshi, and Karan Ramesh Saranade will represent India with youthful vigor.
The women’s senior 10km team features Nandini Gupta, Ujala, Sonia, and Munni Devi, all proven performers hungry for continental glory. For the under-20 women’s 6km event, Varsha, Mani Yadav, Sonam Kumari, and Arju complete a balanced lineup poised for success.
This selection stems from stellar showings at the 60th National Cross-Country Championships in Ranchi, Jharkhand, last month. Over 35 state units clashed in a fiercely competitive meet, where Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) dominated by clinching both senior men’s and women’s team titles.
Harmanjot Singh, representing Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), stormed to victory in the senior men’s 10km with a blistering 30:33 time. Nandini Gupta of RSPB mirrored the dominance in women’s 10km, clocking 35:42.28 for gold. Uttar Pradesh grabbed the under-20 men’s team trophy with 22 points, while Maharashtra trialed in women’s under-20 with 21 points.
AFI’s rigorous criteria picked the top four from each senior and junior category, ensuring a mix of experience and raw talent. This squad builds on recent international exposure, including the January 10 World Athletics Cross Country Championships trial in Tallahassee, Florida.
There, Gulvir Singh led India in the competitive 10km individual race, finishing 40th with 30:39. The mixed relay team (4x2km) – Ajay Saroj, Pooja, Yunus Shah, and Ankita – secured a respectable 12th place overall in 24:13.
As India eyes medals in Fukuoka, these athletes embody resilience and determination. Their national championship triumphs signal strong potential to challenge Asian rivals on unfamiliar grounds. Fans back home will watch closely as this contingent aims to elevate India’s stature in cross-country running.