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Tajinderpal Toor Eyes Asian Games Defense at Patiala Throws Event

Two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor is using the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala to evaluate his form for the upcoming outdoor season. His primary goals are to defend his Asian Games title in Japan later this year and maintain his health for a busy 2026 season featuring the Commonwealth Games. The Patiala event itself will not be used for selection for major games, with athletes needing to qualify at other designated domestic meets. The competition features prominent athletes like Toor and Shivam Lohakare across multiple throwing events and age groups.

Key Points: Tajinderpal Toor Targets Asian Games, Evaluates Form in Patiala

  • Toor aims to defend Asian Games title
  • Focus on staying healthy for 2026 season
  • Patiala event is a performance evaluation, not a selection trial
  • National Inter-State Championships key for Asian Games qualification
  • Event features shot put, javelin, and youth categories
2 min read

Good chance for aspiring athletes to evaluate performance in outdoor throwing event in Patiala

Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor begins his outdoor season at the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala, aiming to defend his title in Japan.

"My main focus on Saturday will be to evaluate my performance in March. - Tajinderpal Singh Toor"

Patiala, March 6

Two-time Asian Games champion in men's shot put, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, has meticulously chalked out his plans for the 2026 competitive season, which include major events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

One of Toor's goals this season is to defend his Asian Games title in Japan later this year. To stay healthy is his second goal for the 2026 competitive season, which will also feature the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

On the eve of the two-day fifth edition of the Indian Open Throws Competition in Patiala, Punjab, India's 31-year-old seasoned thrower and national record holder says he is eagerly looking forward to the outdoor season.

"My main focus on Saturday will be to evaluate my performance in March," Toor adds. "I started my season last month at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in China. The result was encouraging."

The Punjab thrower clinched silver with a 20.05m. His national record of 21.17m was recorded in June 2023. His main goal will be to peak later this year to retain his title at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.

The two-day domestic competition in Patiala, according to Radhakrishnan Nair, chief national athletics coach, will not be considered for either the Commonwealth Games (July 23 to August 2) or Asian Games (September 19 to October 4) selection. "Athletes will have to achieve the qualification mark/time for the Commonwealth Games in May in Ranchi," the Chief national athletics coach adds.

The National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships from June 24 to 28 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, will be the main domestic competition to achieve Asian Games qualification standards.

The two-day fifth edition of the Indian Open Throws Competition will be held at Patiala's National Institute of Sports Campus in Punjab.

The season's first outdoor competition in throws has attracted as many as 30 athletes in the men's shot put. Samardeep Singh Gill, a promising thrower from Madhya Pradesh, will look forward to a podium finish in Patiala.

Spotlight will also be on men's javelin throw. As per entries, 29 athletes will vie for the podium. Promising army javelin thrower Shivam Lohakare has also confirmed his entry.

Apart from the senior group, competition will also be conducted in the U20 and U18 age groups in both men's and women's categories. The competition will be held in the morning and afternoon sessions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tajinderpal Singh Toor is such an inspiration! His dedication to staying healthy and defending his Asian Games title shows true champion mindset. Wishing him and all the athletes the very best for the Patiala event and the season ahead. 🏅
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope the federation ensures proper facilities and fair judging. Sometimes these domestic competitions lack the professionalism needed to truly prepare athletes for international stages. The focus should be on quality, not just quantity of events.
S
Sarah B
It's fantastic that they're including U20 and U18 categories. Building a pipeline of young talent is how we build a strong sporting nation. Excited to see new names emerge from Patiala!
V
Vikram M
Jai ho! The competition in men's javelin looks intense with 29 athletes. After Neeraj Chopra's success, it's great to see so many young throwers inspired. Shivam Lohakare is one to watch. Let's support our athletes!
K
Karthik V
Clear qualification pathways are so important. Good to know the National Inter-State in Bhubaneswar is the key for Asian Games. Reduces confusion for athletes. Best of luck to Samardeep Singh Gill and all participants in Patiala!

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