Long jumper Anju George, Asian Games champions K M Beenamol, Neelam J Singh, Wimbledon girls' doubles champions Sania Mirza and sharpshooter Anjali Bhagwat will form cream of the Indian contingent for the inaugural Afro-Asian Games, in Hyderabad, from October 24 to November 1.

The astro turf should witness fierce competition when traditional rivals India and Pakistan battle it out. India's arch-rivals will be looking to avenge the recent defeat it suffered in the Asia Cup.

Korea and Malaysia are also expected to provide a stiff fight to India and Pakistan.

According to a tentative list released by Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday, China is expected to send a 31-member athletics team, studded with seven gold medallists, 11 runners-up and five bronze medallists from the Busan Asian Games.

Chen Hajian, currently fastest the man in Asia, is likely to lead the Chinese challenge in athletics. Challenging him will be Shingo Suetsugu of Japan, who won a bronze in 200 metres sprint at the Paris World Championships.

Cameroon leads the African challenge in the football, which will see strong competition from Iran, Japan and China.

The boxing ring will also see a galaxy of stars. Korea have entered three gold medallists of the Busan Asian Games.

The African Games are going on in Abuja, Nigeria, and selection of the African contingent will be done only after the Games are over on October 18. According to the organisers, this will ensure the best of Africa for the Afro Asiad.

An Indian delegation is already in Abuja to complete accreditation formalities.