Who Will Compete in the National C'ships for the Asian Cross-Country Team?
Synopsis
As the 60th National Cross-Country Championships approach, top runners in India are gearing up for a fierce competition. With spots on the national team for the Asian Cross-Country Championships in Japan up for grabs, this event is set to showcase remarkable athletic talent and determination.
Key Takeaways
The National Cross-Country Championships are crucial for athlete selection.
A total of 732 athletes are participating, showcasing India's athletic talent.
The event will help form the national team for the Asian Championships in Japan.
Different age groups will compete over varying distances.
This marks the start of the 2026 athletics season in India.
New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) As a new season unfolds, the nation's elite runners are vying for a coveted spot on the Indian team. This opportunity arises during the 60th National Cross-Country Championships, set to take place on Saturday in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will be selecting both senior and junior (U20) athletes for the upcoming Asian Cross Country Championships in Japan, as announced by AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo in a statement released on Friday.
According to Sagoo, the top four finishers in both the senior (men and women) and junior (men and women) categories will earn spots on the Indian team during these championships.
“The AFI plans to assemble a 16-member national team, encompassing eight women athletes, for the 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships scheduled for February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan,” stated the AFI president.
A total of 35 teams, including various affiliated state units, will participate in the National Cross-Country Championships in Ranchi this Saturday. A remarkable 732 athletes, featuring 328 female competitors, have officially registered for this inaugural event of the 2026 season.
The senior men's and women's race will cover a distance of 10km, while junior men will run 8km. The U20 women's race will span 6km, and U18 boys and girls will race 6km and 4km, respectively. For U16 boys and girls, the distance will be 2km.
The national team also recently participated in the 2026 World Athletics Cross-Country Championships held on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida (USA). In a fiercely contested 10km event, Gulveer Singh emerged as the leading Indian runner, finishing 40th with a time of 30:39.
The Indian mixed relay team, comprising Ajay Saroj, Pooja, Yoonus Shah, and Ankita, secured an overall 12th place in the 4 x 2km race with a time of 24 minutes and 13 seconds, with each member completing a distance of 2km.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the significance of the National Cross-Country Championships. This event not only identifies emerging talent but also strengthens India's presence in international athletics. The dedication and effort of these athletes deserve recognition, and their journey inspires future generations.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the National Cross-Country Championships taking place?
The 60th National Cross-Country Championships are scheduled for Saturday in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
How many athletes are participating in the event?
A total of 732 athletes, including 328 female runners, have registered for the championships.
What distances will the races cover?
Senior men and women will run 10km, junior men 8km, U20 women 6km, U18 boys 6km, U18 girls 4km, and U16 competitors will race 2km.
What is the purpose of the championships?
The championships will determine the athletes selected for the Indian national team for the Asian Cross Country Championships in Japan.
Who is the current AFI president?
The current president of the Athletics Federation of India is Bahadur Singh Sagoo.
