Neeraj’s return will be the biggest highlight
Besides the Asian Games gold medallist, local favourite Jena will be another star attraction; the National Anti-Doping Agency is expected to be active during the event
World and Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s return to a domestic event after his historic performance in the Tokyo Games three years ago will be the biggest highlight of the National Federation athletics meet, starting on Sunday.
Besides Asian Games gold medallist Neeraj, silver medallist and local favourite Kishore Jena will be another big attraction as fans will get a chance to see both of them in action after watching them on television during their seasonopening performances in Doha Diamond League.
As per Athletics Federation of India (AFI) rules, the athletes who have crossed 75m will directly participate in the javelin nal on Wednesday. Three will make it to the nal through the qualifying round.
India chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair looked forward to the javelin competition, which would also feature D.P. Manu and Shivpal Singh.
Apart from the two Olympic qualied throwers, Asiad gold medallist shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, long jumper Jeswin Aldrin, triple jumpers Praveen Chitravel, Abdulla Aboobacker, and the 4x400m relay team members, including Amoj Jacob, Muhammad Ajmal, Dandi Jyothika Sri, and Subha Venkatesan, will be some of the well known athletes competing here.
Jacob, who ran the anchor leg in the Olympic qualier in Bahamas, said he was yet to overcome jet lag but chose to participate in the event.
However, several top names, including steeplechaser Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary, quartermilers National record holder Muhammad Anas, Arokia Rajeev, Rajesh Ramesh and Noah Nirmal Tom, long jumper Ancy Sojan, 800m Asian Games medallist Harmilan Bains, will miss the event due to various reasons.
In view of some big names failing dope tests this year ahead of the Olympics, the National Anti-Doping Agency is expected to be active during the event.