Who Will Represent India at the Asian Cross-Country Championships?
Synopsis
As the 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships approach, the spotlight is on the Indian team led by Harmanjot Singh. Their journey to victory will unfold on February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan. Will they bring home glory?
Key Takeaways
Harmanjot Singh leads the Indian team for the Asian Cross-Country Championships .
The event is scheduled for February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan .
Team selection was based on the 60th National Cross-Country Championships .
Athletes will compete in various categories: senior and U20.
Previous participation includes the 2026 World Championships .
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Indian team comprising 12 athletes, including Harmanjot Singh from the Army, is set to participate in the 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships taking place on February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan.
According to Bahadur Singh Sagoo, president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the team will depart for Japan on Wednesday.
The athletes will compete across various categories including senior men, senior women, and U20 events. Harmanjot Singh is slated to race in the men’s 10km event. The men’s U20 category will have representatives Aditya Gurjar, Abhinandan Suryavanshi, and Karan Ramesh Saranade, competing in an 8km race.
The women’s 10km team comprises Nandani Gupta, Ujala, Soniya, and Munni Devi. Meanwhile, the women’s U20 group will have Versha, Mani Yadav, Sonam Kumari, and Aarju.
The selection of the national team was based on performances at the 60th National Cross-Country Championships held last month in Ranchi, Jharkhand, which saw participation from 35 teams, including affiliated state units.
At the National Cross Country Championships, athletes from the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) secured the senior men and women team titles. Harmanjot Singh, representing the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), won the men’s individual 10km event with a time of 30:33, while Nandani Gupta of RSPB achieved victory in the women’s individual 10km event, clocking 35:42.28.
The men’s U20 team title was claimed by Uttar Pradesh with 22 points, whereas Maharashtra took the women’s U20 trophy with 21 points.
The top four finishers in each of the senior and junior categories were selected for the Indian team.
Previously, the national team also participated in the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships held on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida (USA). In a competitive individual 10km event, Gulveer Singh was the leading Indian, finishing in 40th place with a time of 30:39.
The Indian mixed relay team (4x2km) secured the 12th position overall, completing the race in 24 minutes 13 seconds. Members of the mixed relay team included Ajay Saroj, Pooja, Yoonus Shah, and Ankita.
Indian Team:
Men 10km: Harmanjot Singh.
U20 8km: Aditya Gurjar, Abhinandan Suryavanshi, Karan Ramesh Saranade.
Women 10km: Nandani Gupta, Ujala, Soniya, Munni Devi.
U20 6km: Versha, Mani Yadav, Sonam Kumari, Aarju.
Point of View
I fully support the national team's endeavor at the Asian Cross-Country Championships. This event not only showcases talent but also fosters unity and pride. We stand with our athletes, hoping they achieve remarkable success.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Asian Cross-Country Championships?
The 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships will take place on February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan .
Who is in the Indian team?
The Indian team includes Harmanjot Singh , Nandani Gupta , and several others competing in various categories.
What distances will the athletes compete in?
Athletes will compete in different distances: 10km for men and women, and 8km for the U20 men.
How was the team selected?
The team was selected based on performances at the 60th National Cross-Country Championships held in Ranchi, Jharkhand .
What previous events has the Indian team participated in?
The national team also competed in the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships earlier this year.
