Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh has replaced injured Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra in India’s athletics squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Athletics Federation of India named a final 77-member team after organisers accepted additional entries. The Games begin on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Why Yashvir Singh was selected
Chopra is unavailable because of injury, according to reports carrying the AFI squad announcement. The precise medical details and recovery timetable should be taken only from Chopra or authorised team officials.
Yashvir now joins India’s men’s javelin group for one of the country’s most closely followed athletics events. Selection gives him a major international opportunity, but it should not be framed as a direct prediction of a medal.
Other changes to the athletics squad
Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal was removed after receiving a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency concerning an alleged anti-doping violation. The allegation has not been presented here as a final finding, and applicable disciplinary procedures must be allowed to run.
Hurdler Tejas Shirse was also reported out because of injury. Six athletes were added after entries were accepted, producing the final group of 77.
India’s Asian Games athletics campaign
The squad includes experienced medal contenders and athletes entered across track, field and combined events. Reports said Gulveer Singh and Parul Chaudhary are among competitors scheduled for multiple events.
Final participation can still be affected by fitness, accreditation and competition rules. The official entry list and start lists published near each event are the definitive records.
Managing expectations without Chopra
Chopra’s absence removes one of India’s most prominent international athletes from the delegation. It also shifts attention to the depth of Indian javelin and the ability of replacements to perform under major-event pressure.
Yashvir’s Commonwealth Games medal demonstrates experience at a multi-sport event, but the Asian Games field and conditions will present a separate test.
What happens next
The athletics team will complete final camps and travel preparation before competition. Athletes are also adapting to the unusual accommodation arrangements planned in Japan, including container-style rooms for parts of the delegation.
The confirmed news is the squad change: Yashvir replaces the injured Chopra, while Pal’s removal is connected to an alleged case that remains subject to process.
