‘Hoping to get medal at Asian Games’: Sprinter Unnathi Aiyappa

Indian sprinter Unnathi Aiyappa is gunning for a medal at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, fresh off qualifying for the 200m event at the recent 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. Her ambition comes as 13 Indian athletes, along with six triple jumper, breached the Asian Games qualification mark during the intense competition in Bhubaneswar. This surge in qualifications is a huge boost for India's athletics contingent, which is stepping up preparations to surpass its record medal haul from the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is even introducing unique container-style housing units at training centers to ready athletes for the unconventional accommodation planned for the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Meanwhile, veteran sprinter Amiya Kumar Mallick, whose Odisha 4x100m relay team secured gold at the Championships but hasn't yet qualified for the Asian Games, highlighted the critical need for improving 'baton exchange' for future success. With the Asian Games set for September 19 to October 4, 2026, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has the crucial task of finalizing the squad. Athletes like Aiyappa will now shift focus to refining their technique and building team cohesion, especially in relay events, as India aims to field a formidable contingent of over 700 athletes across more than 40 disciplines to make a significant impact on the continental stage.