India pick 32 athletes for 2014 Commonwealth Games

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced 32-member Indian team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23-Aug 3, thus bringing down the number to 32 from 41 selected originally. India’s track and field squad, comprising of 17 women and 15 men in addition to 12 coaches and three support staff, will be seen in action in track and field competitions from July 27 to Aug 2. [caption id=“attachment_1621105” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational Image. Getty[/caption] After announcing the squad, chairman of the selection committee and former Olympian Gurbachan Singh Randhawa said: “We have selected the best medal prospects and it is a fine blend of experienced and talented youngsters.” AAFI president and former Olympian Adille J. Sumariwalla said: “The previous Commonwealth Games in Delhi produced a record haul for Indian athletics. It’s always challenging to emulate success but we are sending a bunch of very talented and motivated athletes who will spare no efforts to bring glory to the nation.” The first batch of Indian athletics squad comprising of 26 members, including the coaching and support staff, reached Glasgow Monday for acclimatisation and competition. The team: Men: 4x400 M Relay: Rajiv Arokia, Kuni Mohammed, Sachin Roby, Lalit Mathur, Jithu Baby, Jibin S; 110MH:A Thingalaya Siddhanth; Triple Jump: Arpinder Singh; Shot Put: Om Prakash; Discus Throw: Vikas Gowda; Javelin Throw: Ravinder SinghA Khaira; Devinder Singh, Vipin Kasana; Hammer Throw: Kamalpreet Singh, Chandrodaya N. Singh. Women: 4x100 M Relay Saradha Narayan, H. M. Jyothi, ASarbani Nanda,A Asha Roy, Santhini Vallikkad, Merlin K. Joseph; 4x400 M Relay: M R Poovamma, Tintu Luka, Debashree Majumdar, Ratandeep Kaur, Anilda Thomas, Ashwini Akkunji; High Jump: Sahana Kumari; Long Jump: Mayookha Jony; Discus Throw: Seema Punia, Krishna Poonia; Javelin Throw: Annu Rani. Coaches and support staff: Chief coach:ABahadur Singh; Manager: P.K.Srivastava; Sprint coach: AP.T Usha; Jump coach: Shyam Kumar; Sprint coach: RameshA(400m Women), Vinayaikin Sprint Coaches (100m), Anatoly Vardha (400m Men), Throw coach (Shot putt): Shakti Singh;AThrow coach (Discus): Shiv Gowda; Throw coach (Javelin): Kashinath; Throw coach (Discus): Ankush Punia; Throw Coach (Discus): Virender Poonia;APhysiotherapist:AKamalpreet Walia; Masseur: Baibu; Recovery Expert: Andre Filimonua. IANS