PTI

New Delhi, May 31: A 19-member Indian team of middle and long distance runners on Friday left for London for a six-week training-cum-competition tour in the European circuit.

The team comprising 11 men, four women, two coaches and a support staff will train at Newham Sports Academy, located at the London 2012 Olympics borough.

The Indian team will take part in five competitions in the UK and three European Grand Prix meets during their stay in London, a press release said.

This is for the first time that the Athletics Federation of India has decided to send middle and long distance runners to compete in the European circuit.

Team members: Sajeesh Joseph (800m), Rajeev Ramesan (800m), Hamza Chatholi (1500m), Paritam Bind (1500m), Ravinder (1500m), Surendra Singh (5000m and 10000m), Sandip Kumar (5000m and 10000m), Basant Bahadur Rana (50km Walk), P.S. Jalan (50km Walk), Harminder Singh (50km Walk), Panucha Babubhai Kesharabhai (50km Walk), Chandan Singh (50km Walk), Sinimole Paulose (800m and 1500m), Sushma Devi (800m and 1500m), Preeja Sreedharan (5000m and 10000m), Kavita Raut (5000m and 10000m), Nikolai Snesarev (Coach), Harmana Ram (Coach) and Pawan Kumar (Support staff).