Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh will send its highest-ever number of athletes to the forthcoming Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from Sept 19, with 14 athletes from the state securing berths in the 77-member Indian squad announced by the Athletics Federation of India. Jaunpur’s javelin thrower Rohit Yadav, who is currently training at SAI Patiala, said he is focused on correcting technical issues ahead of the Games.“The Commonwealth event did not go well for me. My practice had been good, but on that day, I lost my rhythm on the runway. What happened has happened, but I am learning from those mistakes and moving forward. My runway rhythm was off, and that is what I am working on now,” Rohit said.On Neeraj Chopra being ruled out of the Asian Games due to injury, Rohit said his absence would be felt by Indian javelin throwers. “Having Neeraj around was always motivating. He has a lot of experience and used to encourage us during training, so his absence will definitely be felt. This is my first Asian Games, and I want to give my very best. Before the Asian Games, we will participate in the Indian Athletics Series in Delhi,” he said. Long jumper Shaili Singh, who hails from Jhansi, said she is fully fit after recovering from a long-standing ankle injury and is aiming for a strong performance.“My training is going very well. I am currently in Bengaluru at the Anju Bobby George Sports Foundation. I had been dealing with an ankle injury for the past few years, which was causing problems on the runway. The injury was around three to four years old, but after rehabilitation, I am fit now,” Shaili said. “This time, I am preparing for gold. This is my second Asian Games. At the last Asian Games, I finished fifth. At that time, I was dealing with both a hamstring injury and a shoulder injury and missed out on a medal. But now I am fully fit and ready to participate in the Indian Athletics Series in Delhi and the Asian Games,” she added.Uttar Pradesh Athletic Association secretary Narendra Singh said the large representation reflects the progress of athletics in the state. “This is the first time Uttar Pradesh has had such a high number of participants in the Asian Games. My best wishes are with our players. I hope they win more medals for the country and make the state proud,” Singh said.UP players: Yoonus Shah (1500m), Gulveer Singh (1500m, 5000m, 10,000m), Shahanavaz Khan (long jump), Rohit Yadav (javelin throw), Prachi (400m/4x400m relay), Parul Chaudhary (1500m/3000m/5000m), Shaili Singh (long jump), Annu Rani (javelin throw), Tanya Chaudhary (hammer throw), Anushka Yadav (hammer throw), Priyanka Goswami (race walk), Neeru Pathak (4x400m relay), Saloni Nagar (4x400m relay) and Jay Kumar (4x400m relay/4x400m mixed relay).
