Gurindervir Singh Headlines India’s 29-Member Squad for Asian Relays Championships 2026
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced a 29-member Indian contingent for the second Asian Relays Championships, scheduled to be held in Shangyu, China, on June 20 and 21, 2026.
Leading the squad is national record holder Gurindervir Singh, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season and arrives at the continental event in outstanding form. The Indian team will compete in all six relay disciplines, including the men's and women's 4x100m and 4x400m relays, along with the mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m events.
The championships will serve as an important test for India's relay programme as the country continues preparations for the 2026 Asian Games and other major international competitions.
One of the biggest names in the squad is Gurindervir Singh, who recently rewrote Indian athletics history by becoming the country's fastest man over 100m. His inclusion significantly strengthens India's ambitions in the men's 4x100m relay and mixed 4x100m relay events. Joining him in the sprint relay pool are Animesh Kujur, Harsh Santosh Raut, Pranav Pramod Gaurav, Ragul Kumar Ganesh Kumar and Senthil Kumar Tamilarasu.
The combination of Gurindervir's explosive start and Animesh's proven international experience gives India a strong foundation in the sprint relays.
The men's sprint relay squad has shown encouraging progress over the last two seasons, and the Asian Relays Championships will provide an opportunity to test combinations ahead of larger competitions later in the year.
India has traditionally enjoyed greater success in the 400m relay events, and the squad selected for Shangyu reflects that strength.
The men's 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relay group includes Theerthesh P Shetty, Avinash Kumar, Setu Mishra, Nihal William, S. Santhosh, Rince Joseph, Suraj Alagar Raja, Mohit Kumar & Barath Sridhar
Several members of this group have represented India at major international competitions, while younger athletes continue to emerge through the national circuit.
The mixed 4x400m relay remains one of India's strongest medal prospects at the continental level, making the Asian Relays Championships a crucial opportunity to fine-tune combinations and baton exchanges.
The women's relay teams combine experience with emerging talent. For the 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relay events, India has selected Rashdeep Kaur, Poovamma MR, Ansa Babu, Vijaykumari GK, Saloni Nagar, Neeru Pathak, Subha V & Gowrinandana
Poovamma's inclusion brings valuable experience to the squad, while Neeru Pathak arrives after an impressive season that included a medal-winning performance at the U20 Asian Athletics Championships.
The women's 4x100m and mixed 4x100m relay group features Nithya Gandhe, Tamanna, Sneha SS, Sudeshna Shivankar & Abinaya Rajarajan India has invested heavily in sprint development over recent years, and the women's sprint relay squad will be eager to demonstrate its progress against Asia's best.
According to AFI President Bahadur Singh, the event represents an important platform for Indian athletes to gain valuable international exposure.
The Asian Relays Championships have rapidly grown in significance since their introduction, offering athletes high-quality competition and valuable ranking opportunities. For India, the tournament is expected to play a key role in evaluating relay combinations ahead of future championships, including the Asian Games and World Championships qualification cycle.
India To Host Next Edition
Beyond the immediate challenge in China, Indian athletics also received a major boost with confirmation that the third edition of the Asian Relays Championships will be held in Chandigarh. The hosting rights were awarded during the recent Asian Athletics Association Council Meeting in Hong Kong.
The decision reflects India's growing stature within Asian athletics and provides another opportunity to showcase the country's ability to host major international events. Hosting the next edition is expected to further accelerate the development of relay events within the country while providing Indian athletes with valuable home advantage in 2028.
India enters the championships with ambitions across multiple relay events. The men's 4x100m team, powered by Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, will look to challenge Asia's sprinting powerhouses, while the 4x400m squads continue to build on India's long-standing reputation in the one-lap relay events.
The inclusion of mixed relays adds another layer of excitement, with India possessing the depth to be competitive in both disciplines.
As the countdown to Shangyu begins, the 29-member contingent carries the hopes of Indian athletics into one of the most important relay competitions on the continental calendar. With a blend of national record holders, experienced internationals and rising stars, India will be aiming to make a strong statement ahead of an important year for the sport.
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