New Delhi, July 21: The prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host a one-day ‘Invitational Prize Money’ Indian Athletics Series Final on September 10. Top athletes, including those selected for the Asian Games, will participate in this event.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will invite players based on their rankings in their respective events for the final round of the Indian Athletics Series, taking place in New Delhi.
AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagu stated, “The final round of the Indian Athletics Series will feature 31 events, including 16 events for women. The top eight athletes in each track and field event will qualify for the grand final based on their rankings.”
Sagu mentioned that the top 12 ranked athletes in the men’s and women’s 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters steeplechase will also be eligible to participate.
On Tuesday, Sagu confirmed that the AFI has sent invitations to the qualified athletes. The deadline for entries is August 10. If any of the top eight ranked athletes do not confirm their participation, the next best-ranked athlete among the four reserves will be eligible to compete in the final round.
As the 2026 season reaches an exciting midpoint, several national record holders and Olympians remain at the top of their events. These rankings were established based on performances during the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championship held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from June 24 to 28.
Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra (85.69 meters) is currently second in the men’s javelin throw, following Rohit Yadav (87.05 meters). India’s fastest male sprinter and national record holder Gurinderveer Singh leads the men’s 100 meters, while Animesh Kujur holds the top rank in the 200 meters.
National record holder Vishal T is ranked first in the 400 meters. Recently crowned champion Sarvesh Anil Kushare leads in the men’s high jump, and Shreeshankar Murali is at the top in the men’s long jump with a season-best performance of 8.38 meters.
In the women’s category, Vithya Ramraj tops both the 400 meters and 400 meters hurdles. Middle-distance runner Pooja leads in the 800 meters and 1500 meters. Prawl Chaudhary is ranked first in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase.
Sprinter and hurdler Jyoti Yaaraji has secured the number one position in the women’s 100 meters hurdles with a season-best time of 12.99 seconds. Pooja Singh is at the top in the women’s high jump, while NC Sojan leads in the women’s long jump.
The top six athletes in each event will qualify for prize money, with the winner receiving ₹100,000.
Event List:
Men: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters steeplechase, 110 meters hurdles, 400 meters hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer throw, javelin throw.
Women: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters steeplechase, 100 meters hurdles, 400 meters hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer throw, discus throw, javelin throw.
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