Asian Games 2026: Jyothi Yarraji, Praveen Chithravel Withdraw After Injuries; AFI Set to Seek Explanations

India's athletics campaign at the Asian Games 2026 suffered a setback on Saturday as national record holders Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chithravel were forced to withdraw from their respective events after suffering injury concerns.

The developments are also expected to lead the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to seek explanations from the private entities and coaches currently responsible for the training of both athletes, according to sources.

Yarraji, who was scheduled to compete in the women's 100m hurdles, was withdrawn from the opening-round heats after experiencing pain during her warm-up at the rain-affected Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

"She felt pain after full warm-up," an official said.

The 27-year-old had returned to competition this year after undergoing surgery in July 2025 to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in her right knee. She had been cleared to compete in the Indian team only at the last minute after receiving fitness clearance.

Chithravel's Asian Games campaign ended in similarly disappointing fashion. The triple jumper managed to make his first attempt but could not complete the jump, subsequently leaving the competition area while clutching his calf. He was later taken away from the venue in a wheelchair.

"He is injured, that is why he left the competition," an Indian team coach said.

Both athletes had missed the Indian Athletics Series Final in New Delhi on September 10, with Yarraji dealing with knee stress and Chithravel reporting a calf muscle pull. The injuries had been described as minor at the time.

"The AFI will of course ask for answers from the private entities they are currently training and from their coaches regarding the injury issues," an official source told PTI.

Yarraji had won silver and Chithravel bronze at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, making their withdrawals another blow to India's athletics medal hopes.