India’s cross-country runners are primed for battle as the Athletics Federation of India names a 12-member contingent for the Asian Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, starting February 21. President Bahadur Singh Sagoo shared details of the Wednesday departure, fueling national optimism.
Harmanjot Singh (Army) spearheads senior men over 10km. The under-20 men’s 8km squad – Aditya Gurjar, Abhinandan Suryavanshi, Karan Ramesh Saranade – eyes breakthroughs.
Senior women’s 10km stars Nandini Gupta, Ujala, Sonia, and Munni Devi lead their charge. Under-20 women’s 6km has Varsha, Mani Yadav, Sonam Kumari, and Arju set to shine.
Picked from Ranchi’s 60th National Cross-Country Championships last month – a 35-team showdown – RSPB swept senior team titles in men’s and women’s events.
SSCB’s Harmanjot Singh won senior men’s 10km in 30:33; RSPB’s Nandini Gupta took women’s in 35:42.28. UP won under-20 men’s teams (22pts); Maharashtra women’s (21pts).
Top four from each senior/junior group made the cut, embodying excellence. Momentum carries from January 10 Tallahassee trials for 2026 Worlds.
Gulvir Singh led with 40th in 10km (30:39). Mixed relay (Ajay Saroj, Pooja, Yunus Shah, Ankita) scored 12th in 24:13.
As they jet to Japan, these athletes represent India’s deepening bench in cross-country. The event’s hilly challenges demand strategy and grit, areas where nationals standouts excel. Podium finishes could mark a new era, boosting qualifiers for future majors.