Neeraj Chopra Set for Potential JLN Return After a Decade at Indian Athletics Series Final

India's leading track and field athletes, including several members of the squad bound for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, will compete in the Indian Athletics Series Final, scheduled to be held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on September 10.

The one-day invitational meet, organised under the aegis of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), will feature the country's best performers across track and field events, with invitations extended based on national rankings.

AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the Final will feature 31 events, including 16 women's competitions, with the top-ranked athletes earning their places.

"The Final leg of the Indian Athletics Series will be conducted in thirty-one events, including 16 in the women's group. Top eight athletes as per their ranking in each of the track and field events are eligible to compete in the grand Final," Sagoo said.

For the men's and women's 1500m and 3000m steeplechase events, the top 12 ranked athletes will be invited.

The AFI has already sent invitations to eligible competitors, with August 10 set as the deadline for confirming participation.

"If any of the top eight ranked athlete doesn't confirm their participation, then the next best-ranked athlete from among the four reserve players will be eligible to compete in the Final leg," Sagoo added.

Top Indian Stars Headline Rankings

The rankings are based on performances recorded until the conclusion of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held in Bhubaneswar from June 24 to 28.

Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra enters the Final ranked second in the men's javelin throw with a season-best of 85.69m, behind Rohit Yadav, who leads the rankings with 87.05m.

The last time Neeraj Chopra competed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi was in 2016, before his breakthrough at the World U20 Championships later that year. Neeraj himself confirmed this while visiting the stadium during the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, saying:

"I would love to compete here again. I last competed at JLN Stadium in 2016 and definitely want to come back."

National record holder Gurindervir Singh tops the men's 100m rankings, while Animesh Kujur leads the men's 200m. India's fastest-ever 400m runner Vishal TK sits atop the rankings in the one-lap event after rewriting the national record earlier this season.

Fresh from setting a new national record, Sarvesh Anil Kushare leads the men's high jump standings, while Sreeshankar Murali, with a season-best leap of 8.38m, heads the men's long jump rankings.

Women's Events Feature India's Best

The women's competition will also boast several of India's biggest names.

Vithya Ramraj is ranked No. 1 in both the women's 400m and 400m hurdles, while middle-distance specialist Pooja tops the rankings in the 800m and 1500m.

Praul Chaudhary leads the women's 3000m steeplechase rankings, while national record holder Jyothi Yarraji sits atop the women's 100m hurdles following her season-best run of 12.99 seconds.

High jump national champion Pooja Singh heads her event, while long jump national record holder Ancy Sojan occupies the top spot in the women's long jump rankings.

Prize Money on Offer

The Indian Athletics Series Final will offer prize money to the top six finishers in every event, with each winner receiving ₹1 lakh, adding further incentive ahead of the Asian Games later this year.

Events at the Indian Athletics Series Final

• Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, Javelin Throw.
• Women: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw.

The Indian Athletics Series Final is expected to serve as the last major domestic competition for India's elite athletes before they turn their attention to the Asian Games, providing an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and compete against the country's best on one stage.