Toor chases historic third gold as India launches Asiad athletics bid

India's athletics squad opened its Asian Games campaign Thursday with multiple medal contenders in action across track and field events. Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor emerged as a standout prospect, bidding for a historic third consecutive gold medal in the sport's showpiece continental event. The 75-member Indian team has set an ambitious target of claiming between 25 and 30 medals during the Games.

Triple jumper Asha Ilango was scheduled as the first Indian to compete in a medal event, with long-distance runner Seema entered in the women's 10,000 metres. India also fielded a competitive mixed 4x400 metres relay squad capable of challenging for the podium. Additionally, sprinters Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh were set to contest their respective 100-metre heat races.

Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh are among other medal hopefuls aiming to improve on their previous performances. The contingent arrives without javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, sidelined by injury, which represents a significant gap in India's medal-winning arsenal. Nevertheless, India remains among Asia's athletics powerhouses and is expected to maintain its strong showing at the continental championships.

India's performance at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, saw the country win 29 medals, comprising six gold, 14 silver and nine bronze. Analysts suggest the team's current target of 25-30 medals reflects confidence despite the absence of Chopra, one of India's most decorated track-and-field athletes.