Athletics – Andhra Pradesh Duo Earns India Call-Up for 2026 Asian Games
Athletics – Two athletes from Andhra Pradesh have secured places in India’s athletics squad for the 20th Asian Games, which will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Their selection highlights the state’s continued contribution to Indian athletics as the country prepares for one of Asia’s biggest sporting events.
Andhra Pradesh Athletes Make National Squad
Olympian Jyothi Yarraji has been named to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles, while Mogili Venkata Rama Reddy will represent India in the men’s 800m race. Both athletes earned their places after delivering consistent performances in national competitions, strengthening their credentials for international competition.
Jyothi recently posted a time of 12.94 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles final, reaffirming her status among India’s leading sprint hurdlers. Venkata Rama Reddy secured his berth in the national contingent following a series of encouraging displays in middle-distance events, which impressed the selectors ahead of the continental championship.
Sports Officials Welcome the Achievement
The announcement was welcomed by members of the Vizag District Athletics Association, who described the selection as a proud moment for the region. Association President D. Nageswara Rao extended his best wishes to both athletes and expressed confidence that they would perform well while representing the country on the Asian stage.
M. Narayana Rao, General Secretary of the Vizag District Athletics Association and Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Andhra Pradesh Athletics Association, said the achievement reflects the steady growth of athletics in the state. According to him, the inclusion of two athletes in the Indian squad demonstrates that Andhra Pradesh continues to produce competitors capable of succeeding at the highest levels of the sport.
Encouragement from State Leaders
Several public representatives and sports administrators also congratulated the athletes following the announcement. Visakhapatnam West MLA Gana Babu, Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhikshith Kishore, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director Bharani, SAAP Chairman Ravi Naidu, and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat conveyed their greetings and wished the athletes success in Japan.
Their messages reflected optimism that both competitors would deliver strong performances and bring recognition to both the state and the country during the prestigious multi-sport event.
Focus Turns to Nagoya 2026
The 20th Asian Games will bring together thousands of athletes from across the continent, making it one of the most significant international sporting competitions outside the Olympics. With their selection confirmed, Jyothi Yarraji and Mogili Venkata Rama Reddy are expected to intensify their preparations in the months leading up to the event.
Their inclusion in the Indian athletics team serves as another milestone for Andhra Pradesh’s sporting community and offers encouragement to aspiring athletes across the state. As preparations continue, supporters will be hoping the duo can produce memorable performances and contribute to India’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Games.