Athletics controversy centers around two Indian athletes who withdrew from major events at the Asian Games.
Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chithravel, both expected to win medals for India, did not compete as planned, stirring controversy around their fitness and medical clearances. Praveen withdrew after his first jump due to a knee issue, although he had reportedly completed full training and did not report any problems before competing. On the other hand, Jyothi pulled out during warm-up due to discomfort, with coaches deciding to withdraw her as a precaution to protect her long-term fitness.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has stated that Praveen's withdrawal was the athlete's decision, as he did not report any issues prior to or during the event. However, this explanation has not quelled concerns among fans and officials. Adille Sumariwalla, head of AFI, demanded an inquiry into the matter, questioning the validity of hastily issued fitness certificates and the role of doctors and physiotherapists in assessing athletes’ health before the competition.
Reports before the Asian Games revealed several athletes carrying injuries, including Jyothi who was recovering from a knee injury and was expected to undergo surgery in 2025, and Praveen with a calf injury. Other athletes also had minor injuries that were not publicly detailed. This has raised concerns about the standards for fitness clearance and the risk of sending injured athletes to compete.
The controversy also extends to other sports such as Wushu, where injury concerns affected athlete participation. With two medal hopefuls unable to compete, questions remain about injury management and fitness standards in Indian sports. The AFI and medical teams are expected to address these issues to ensure better athlete care and transparency in future competitions.