Tajinderpal Singh Toor Eyes Asian Games Title Defence- Eyes Gold At Aichi Nagoya

Two-time Asian Games men's shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor has set clear goals for the 2026 season. He wants to defend his Asian Games title in Japan. He also aims to stay healthy through a year that includes the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Toor targets peak form for Asian Games

On the eve of the two-day fifth Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala, the 31-year-old national record holder said he is eager for the outdoor season. He said Saturday's event will help him assess his form for March.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor Eyes Asian Games Title Defence- Eyes Gold At Aichi Nagoya

Toor began his season at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in China last month. He won silver there with a throw of 20.05m. His national record stands at 21.17m, set in June 2023. He wants to peak later this year.

His main target is the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. He plans to time his form for that competition. The event is scheduled from September 19 to October 4. He will also look at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2.

Selection pathway for major 2026 events

Chief national athletics coach Radhakrishnan Nair said the Patiala meet will not count for Commonwealth Games or Asian Games selection. He said athletes must achieve qualification marks for the Commonwealth Games in May during competition in Ranchi.

The National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from June 24 to 28. That meet will be the main domestic event for athletes to meet Asian Games qualification standards in different track and field events.

Event	Location	Dates	Purpose
Indian Open Throws	Patiala	Two days	Form check
Ranchi meet	Ranchi	May	Commonwealth marks
Inter State Championships	Bhubaneswar	June 24-28	Asian Games marks

Strong domestic field in throws events

The Indian Open Throws Competition will take place at the National Institute of Sports campus in Patiala. The season's first outdoor throws meet has drawn around 30 athletes in men's shot put. Madhya Pradesh thrower Samardeep Singh Gill will chase a podium finish.

The men's javelin throw also has strong entries, with 29 athletes listed. Army javelin thrower Shivam Lohakare has confirmed his entry. Events will be held for seniors, under-20 and under-18 athletes in both men's and women's sections, across morning and afternoon sessions.