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Sports India News Updated Feb 18, 2026

Indian Cross-Country Team Set for Asian Championships in Japan

A 12-member Indian team is set to compete at the 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. The Athletics Federation of India selected the squad based on performances at last month's National Cross-Country Championships in Ranchi. The team will compete across senior men's, women's, and U20 group events. Army athlete Harmanjot Singh will lead the charge in the men's 10km race.

12-member Indian team to compete at Asian Cross-Country Championships

New Delhi, February 18

Army's Harmanjot Singh will be among the 12-member Indian team that will compete in the 18th Asian Cross-Country Championships scheduled for February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan.

The Indian team will leave on Wednesday for Japan, said Bahadur Singh Sagoo, president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

The AFI selected the national team based on the athletes' performances at the 60th National Cross-Country Championships held last month in Ranchi, Jharkhand, according to an AFI release.

The Indian athletes will compete in the senior men's, women's, and U20 groups. Harmanjot Singh will compete in the men's 10km. Aditya Gurjar, Abhinandan Suryavanshi and Karan Ramesh Saranade will represent India in the men's U20 category. The distance for the men's U20 event is 8 km.

The members of the women's 10km team are Nandani Gupta, Ujala, Soniya and Munni Devi. Versha, Mani Yadav, Sonam Kumari and Aarju will compete in the women's U20 group.

Indian Team: Men: 10 km: 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.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Sarah B

It's fantastic to see a mix of experienced and young talent. The U20 athletes like Aditya Gurjar are our future. Hope they get good exposure and experience in Japan.

Priya S

All the best to the women's team! Nandani Gupta, Ujala, Soniya, Munni Devi, and the U20 girls – you are making us proud. Cross-country requires immense stamina, kudos to them. 👏

Vikram M

Selection based on National Championships performance is the right way. But I hope AFI also provides them with world-class training facilities and support staff. Sometimes our athletes lose out due to lack of proper preparation.

Rohit P

Go Team India! The names like Munni Devi and Sonam Kumari show talent is coming from all corners of the country. That's the real spirit of Indian sports. Jai Hind!

Michael C

Good luck to the team. Competing in Fukuoka will be a great experience. Hope the weather conditions are favorable for our runners. Safe travels and strong performances!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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