Overview

• The five-day Chennai championships serve as India’s last domestic qualifier before the August 24 World Championships entry deadline.
• Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, returning from knee surgery, targets either the 8.27m standard or a winning 8.05m-plus mark to secure a ranking-based berth.
• National 100m and 200m record holder Animesh Kujur sits around 42nd on the Road to Tokyo list and is aiming for 200m gold to lock in selection.
• Women’s javelin national record holder Annu Rani is ranked near 28th and can strengthen her position with another strong outing in Chennai.
• Neeraj Chopra skips the meet due to overseas commitments, leaving an open javelin contest where Rohit Yadav could claim a spot with an 82m-plus throw and the title.