Asian Games | Annu Rani and Monika Chaudhary not included in Indian Athletics squad

The trials which were held on August 15 to confirm the participation of athletes, has resulted in Annu Rani and 1500m racer Monika Chaudhary being cut off from the Asian Games Athletics squad that will be representing India in the Asian Games as informed by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Friday. Apart from them, shot putter Naveen Chikara, has been asked to stay back and go through another trial that will be held on Monday as instructed by AFI. Naveen was supposed to travel to Jakarta on Friday night.

“Annu Rani and Monika Chaudhary were not selected as their performance in the confirmatory trials was not found to be satisfactory by the selection committee,” said CK Valson, AFI secretary.

On the other hand, Anu Raghvan completing 400m hurdles in 57.43s at the trials has earned himself a seat in the Asian Games contingent. The qualifying standard set up by AFI for the 400m hurdles was 57.52s. Another athlete, Saritaben Gaikwad also attempted a trial for 400m hurdles and timed 57.04s, although she is a member of the Indian 4x400m women's relay team.

Chetan B has passed the trials for high jumping, while Sandeep Kumar cleared the trials for 50km race walking in men's category. Nayana James and Neena Pintoo have cleared the trials for a berth in long jumping, while Sandeep Kumari got selected for discus throwing. Further Jauna Murmu will be participating in 400m hurdles and Nirmala Sheoran in 400m in the Asian Games.