Aspiring Athletes Have Opportunity to Assess Performance at Outdoor Throwing Event in Patiala
Synopsis
Patiala's outdoor season kicks off with the Indian Open Throws Competition, where two-time Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor aims to evaluate his performance. This event sets the stage for key competitions ahead, including the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Key Takeaways
Two-time Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor is focusing on evaluating his performance at the Indian Open Throws Competition.
The event serves as a stepping stone for qualifications for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Over 30 athletes are competing in men’s shot put, with additional categories for U20 and U18.
Patiala continues to be a hub for athletics with this prestigious event.
Athletes must achieve specific qualification marks for major competitions.
Patiala (Punjab), March 6 (NationPress) Two-time Asian Games champion in men’s shot put, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, has carefully planned his strategy for the 2026 competitive season, targeting key events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.
One of Toor's ambitions this year is to successfully defend his Asian Games title in Japan later this year. Maintaining his health is another priority for the upcoming 2026 season, which will also include the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
On the eve of the two-day fifth edition of the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala, the 31-year-old seasoned thrower and national record holder expresses his enthusiasm for the outdoor season.
“My primary objective on Saturday is to assess my performance for March,” Toor states. “I commenced my season last month at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in China, and the results were promising.”
The Punjab thrower secured a silver medal with a throw of 20.05m. His national record stands at 21.17m, achieved in June 2023. His overarching goal is to peak by later this year to defend his title at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.
According to Radhakrishnan Nair, the chief national athletics coach, the two-day domestic competition in Patiala will not serve as a qualifier for either the Commonwealth Games (July 23 to August 2) or the Asian Games (September 19 to October 4). “Athletes need to meet the qualification mark/time for the Commonwealth Games in May in Ranchi,” adds the Chief national athletics coach.
The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, set to take place from June 24 to 28 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, will be the primary domestic competition for achieving Asian Games qualification standards.
The two-day fifth edition of the Indian Open Throws Competition will be hosted at the National Institute of Sports Campus in Patiala.
This season’s inaugural outdoor throws competition has attracted around 30 athletes in men’s shot put. Samardeep Singh Gill, a talented thrower from Madhya Pradesh, is keen on earning a podium finish in Patiala.
Focus will also be on men’s javelin throw, with 29 athletes competing for the podium. Notable army javelin thrower Shivam Lohakare has confirmed his participation.
In addition to the senior category, competitions will also take place in the U20 and U18 age groups for both men's and women’s divisions. The events will be scheduled in the morning and afternoon sessions.
Point of View
It's evident that the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala represents a pivotal moment for athletes like Tajinderpal Singh Toor. With aspirations for the Commonwealth and Asian Games, this event not only allows athletes to gauge their performance but also highlights India's commitment to athletics on the international stage.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Indian Open Throws Competition?
The Indian Open Throws Competition allows athletes to evaluate their performance and prepare for upcoming major events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Who is Tajinderpal Singh Toor?
Tajinderpal Singh Toor is a two-time Asian Games champion in men’s shot put, currently preparing for the 2026 competitive season.
When will the Commonwealth and Asian Games take place?
The Commonwealth Games are scheduled from July 23 to August 2, and the Asian Games will occur from September 19 to October 4.
Where is the Indian Open Throws Competition being held?
The competition is taking place at the National Institute of Sports Campus in Patiala, Punjab.
Are there age-specific competitions in this event?
Yes, competitions are being held for U20 and U18 age groups in both men's and women’s categories.
