Hima Das Named in World C’ships Squad Only as Relay Runner

India’s full squad for the World Athletics Championships have been announced but there are likely to be additions.

After failing to qualify for the World Championships in her pet event, the 400m, Hima Das has been named in the Indian relay teams for the big event.

(Photo: AP)

World junior champion Hima Das was named as a 4x400m relay runner in India's 25-member squad for the World Athletics Championships to be held in Doha from 27 September.

The number of athletes announced after a meeting of AFI selection committee will, however, increase after the international body (IAAF) gives confirmation of the likes of World University 100m champion Dutee Chand, who did not meet the qualification mark but is within the required number of competitors for the event.

Hima could not qualify for her pet event 400m but she has been named to run in the women’s 4x400m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay races.

The AFI is even hoping that the mixed 4x400m relay team can come in the medal bracket or at least close to it.

Neeraj Chopra is recovering from a surgery and is all but likely to miss the World Championships.

The name of star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who is undergoing rehabilitation after an elbow surgery, was also discussed but he was not named in the team.

“The selectors decided to discuss the case of javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who is undergoing rehabilitation programme after an elbow surgery at a later stage.”

Athletics Federation of India

Sources in the AFI, however, said that Neeraj, who has qualified for the World Championships before his surgery, is more or less ruled out of the marquee event.

"Neeraj is unlikely to make it to Doha Worlds as he is undergoing rehabilitation. We think it is better for Neeraj to recover properly as we see him as a bright prospect for the Tokyo Olympics," the source told PTI.

Dutee Chand’s name has been sent to the IAAF and the Indian athletics association is waiting for a response.

"The selection committee also approved the names of sprinters Dutee Chand (100m women), Archana Suseentran (200m women) and high jumper Tejaswin Shankar subject to invitation from the IAAF.

"The committee also decided to conduct confirmatory trial for quarter miler Anjali Devi for selection in the team in individual women's 400m. The trial will be conducted on September 21st at the NIS Patiala," the AFI release added.

An AFI official said that Tejaswin will be asked to come to India and undergo a trial if he wants to take part in the World Championships.

“If the IAAF sends an invite for Tejaswin, we will ask him to at least jump 2.25m if not the World Championships qualification standard of 2.30m.”

AFI Official

The personal best for Tejaswin is 2.29m, which is also the national record.

The selection committee meeting, chaired by Olympian Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, was attended by AFI President Adille Sumariwalla, chief coach Bahadur Singh, Bahadur Singh Saggu, Krishna Poonia, Praveen Jolly, Uday Prabhu, Paramjit Singh.

Former chief coach JS Saini and current deputy chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair were special invitees.

India’s Full Squad for Athletics World Championships

Men: Jabir MP (400m Hurdles), Jinson Johnson (1500m), Avinash Sable (3000m Steeplechase), KT Irfan and Devender Singh (20km Race Walk), Gopi T (Marathon), Sreeshankar M (Long Jump), Tajinder Pal Singh Toor (Shot Put), Shivpal Singh (Javelin Throw), Muhammed Anas, Nirmal Noah Tom, Alex Antony, Amoj Jacob, KS Jeevan, Dharun Ayyasamy and Harsh Kumar (4x400m Men's & Mixed Relay).

Women: PU Chitra (1500m), Annu Rani (Javelin Throw), Hima Das, Vismaya VK, Poovamma MR, Jisna Mathew, Revathi V, Subha Venkatsan, Vithya R (4x400m Women & Mixed Relay).