Indian shot-put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor and high jumper Tejaswin Shankar have decided to skip the upcoming World Athletics Championships, which are scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27. Toor sustained a groin injury during the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok last month, despite winning a gold medal with a throw of 20.23m. He had already qualified for the World Championships with an Asian record-setting throw of 21.77m in June. This will be the second consecutive World Championships that Toor will miss due to injury. Shankar, on the other hand, has decided to focus on the Asian Games in 2023, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
Shankar explained his decision, stating that he wants to be honest with himself about his chances at the World Championships. With his best jump of the outdoor season being 2.21m, he believes it is unrealistic to expect to clear 2.30m at the event. He also feels that without sufficient practice, he would not be able to perform at his best. Instead, he wants to prepare for the Asian Games, where he believes he has a realistic chance of winning a medal. Shankar also competes in the men’s decathlon and qualified for the World Championships in the high jump event based on his world rankings. He currently holds India’s national record in high jump.
Joining Toor and Shankar in skipping the World Championships are national record holder in women’s 20km race walk, Priyanka Goswami, runner KM Chanda, and injured javelin thrower Rohit Yadav. With their focus on the Asian Games, these athletes have decided against participating in the Budapest meet.
India’s contingent for the World Championships is led by Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, who recently ended India’s 19-year wait for a championship medal by winning silver in the men’s javelin event. The team also includes other athletes such as long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, and steeplechaser Avinash Sable.
The Indian team consists of 28 members who will be competing in various events at the World Championships. These athletes have been selected based on their world rankings and performances in their respective disciplines. The team’s aim is to put up a strong showing and make India proud on the global stage.
While some athletes have chosen to prioritize the Asian Games, others will be representing India at the World Championships, hoping to achieve personal bests and bring home more medals.
