National Inter State Athletics 2024: Indian Track and Field Athletes' Last Chance to Qualify for Paris Olympics

National Inter State Athletics 2024: The 63rd National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, kicking off this Thursday, June 27, and running through to Sunday, June 30. This tournament isn't just another event on the calendar; it's the last opportunity for India's elite athletes to secure their spots at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The stakes couldn't get higher. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has mandated that every Indian athlete, with a few notable exceptions, must compete in this championship.

The likes of Neeraj Chopra, India's Tokyo 2020 javelin throw gold medallist, and national record holder Akshdeep Singh in the 20km race walk have already qualified and won't be present. Likewise, Priyanka Goswami, another race walk national record holder and Paris qualifier, will sit this one out.

Asian Games gold medallist in the men's shot put Tajinderpal Singh Toor is also missing this event due to an ankle injury. However, his position in the world rankings of 25 keeps his Olympic hopes alive.

Players to watch out for

Avinash Sable in the men's 3000m steeplechase is one to keep an eye on. He's already booked his ticket to Paris but will be the biggest name at the event in the absence of Neeraj Chopra. Kishore Jena in the men's javelin throw, Ram Baboo in the men's 20km race walk, and Parul Chaudhary in women's 3000m steeplechase are also Paris-bound and eager to fine-tune their performances.

All eyes will be on the 200m battle between Animesh Kujur and Amlan Borgohain. Animesh fell short by a mere 0.10 seconds in the Federation Cup, just missing Amlan's national record. It'll be interesting to see them take on each other not just to break the national record but also to aim for Olympic qualification.

Several athletes are teetering on the brink of qualification and will be giving it their all. Jyothi Yarraji in the women's 100m hurdles, Annu Rani in the women's javelin throw, DP Manu in the men's javelin throw, and Jeswin Aldrin in the men's long jump are among those to watch closely.

Shaili Singh in the long jump, Tejas Shirse in men's 110m hurdles, and national record holder Manikanta Hoblidhar in the 100m will also be looking to make their mark.

Indian athletes have two routes to secure their Olympic spots. First, by meeting the entry standard for an event or by achieving a high position in the World Athletics Ranking during the ranking period.