On Monday, Priti Lamba, a 3000m steeplechaser from Haryana, earned her spot on the Indian athletics team for the Hangzhou Asian Games. This selection was also extended to top sprinter Amlan Borgohain and quarter-miler Prachi, following the conclusion of the Indian Grand Prix 5. Lamba, aged 27, secured her victory in the 3000m steeplechase event during the final day of IGP 5. She surpassed the Asian Games qualifying time, which was set at 9 minutes and 47 seconds by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), with an impressive time of 9 minutes and 45.13 seconds.
She secured the second position in the National Inter-State Championships, trailing behind Parul Chaudhary with a recorded time of 9:52.89. Subsequently, in July, she managed to enhance her performance, achieving a time of 9:48.50 while finishing fourth at the Asian Championships.
Prachi from Uttar Pradesh received the green light from the AFI selection committee to participate in the women’s 4x400m relay event, whereas Borgohain will be competing in the men’s 200m category. The sports ministry had previously unveiled a 65-member athletics squad for the Asian Games the previous month. The addition of these three athletes on Monday will expand the team to a total of 68 members.
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla previously announced the intended inclusion of Borgohain, who holds national records in both the men’s 100m and 200m events, to the Asian Games squad. Following a selection committee meeting held on Monday, the AFI officially confirmed his selection. Additionally, the national federation opted not to choose the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay teams due to their inability to meet the qualifying standards.
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