AFI demands answers after Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chhitravel withdraw from Asian Games events in Nagoya

The Athletics Federation of India criticised the absence of hurdler Jyothi Yarraji and triple jumper Praveen Chhitravel from their events at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday (September 26, 2026), with both athletes citing injuries. Jyothi did not start her event, while Chhitravel recorded a foul on his first attempt and then retired from competition.

Both athletes, along with high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, had skipped the mandatory Indian Athletics Final Series in New Delhi immediately before departing for the Games and were training at Tsukuba University for acclimatisation. The trio were described in reports as battling injuries and niggles during the lead-up to Nagoya. Their absence from the domestic final series was noted by officials prior to the Asian Games programme.

The athletes had submitted medical certificates declaring them fit to play and were cleared at the last minute to compete in Nagoya. That clearance occurred after the federations' pre-departure and entry processes, according to reports, despite ongoing concerns about their physical condition.

AFI spokesperson and former president Adille Sumariwalla addressed the situation to The Hindu, saying: “Someone has to be answerable, and there will be an inquiry into what exactly went wrong. We will definitely look into all the details and then take whatever action might be needed. The coaches had repeatedly assured us that they were doing absolutely fine in training, and as late as this morning, both the athletes and their coaches had confirmed that they would be participating. Now they are claiming there was pain during warm-up or a hamstring injury. This is unacceptable.”

At the competition, Jyothi Yarraji did not start her scheduled race, while Praveen Chhitravel appeared for the triple jump, committed a foul on his first jump and then withdrew from further attempts; both athletes subsequently cited injury concerns. Event officials recorded the non-start and the foul as the official outcomes for the two entries.

The federation has announced an inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the withdrawals and the pre-departure clearances. AFI has stated it will examine the details and consider any actions required after that review, following the process Sumariwalla outlined to The Hindu.