National 100m record holder Gurindervir Singh will lead a 29-member [1] Indian contingent at the second [1] Asian Relays Championships in Shangyu, China [1].
The event serves as a critical benchmark for Indian sprinters to test their coordination and speed against continental rivals before the Asian Games. It provides a high-stakes environment to refine relay transitions and athlete selection.
India intends to compete in all six relay events [2] available at the championships. These include the men's 4x100m and 4x400m, the women's 4x100m and 4x400m, and the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m races [2]. The competition is scheduled to take place on June 20–21, 2026 [1].
Athletics Federation of India President Bahadur Singh Sagoo said the tournament is valuable for the development of the national squad. "The competition in China will be a good opportunity for athletes to showcase their potential at the continental level," Sagoo said [1].
By fielding a full roster across every category, the AFI is signaling a broad ambition for regional dominance in sprint and middle-distance relays. The selection of Singh as the leader underscores the federation's reliance on its top speed assets to set the tone for the contingent. The 29 athletes [1] selected for the trip will face top competition in a city known for hosting major athletic meets.
“Gurindervir Singh will lead a 29-member Indian contingent”
India's decision to enter every relay category indicates a strategic shift toward comprehensive continental competitiveness. By utilizing the second Asian Relays Championships as a precursor to the Asian Games, the AFI is prioritizing real-world competitive experience over isolated training, aiming to identify the most cohesive combinations for their relay teams.
