The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has officially announced the 32-member Indian athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow. The contingent comprises 22 male and 10 female athletes, utilising the full quota allocated to India.
Key Athletes in the Squad
Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra is among the prominent names selected, though his participation is conditional upon meeting specific performance standards in upcoming international meets. Other notable athletes include long jumper M. Sreeshankar, high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, triple jumper Praveen Chithravel, and javelin thrower Rohit Yadav.
Men's Team Composition
The men's team features strength in jumps and throws. Sprint and distance events will be led by Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), and Gulveer Singh (5000m, 10,000m). The squad also includes hurdlers Tejas Ashok Shirse (110m hurdles), Yashas P, and Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (400m hurdles). Field event representatives include Sarvesh Anil Kushare and Adarsh Ram J (high jump), Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar (pole vault), M. Sreeshankar and Lokesh Sathyanathan (long jump), Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu (triple jump), Samardeep Singh Gill and Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put), Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav, and Yash Vir Singh (javelin throw), and Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon, high jump).
Women's Team Composition
The women's contingent relies on experienced athletes like Parul Chaudhary in endurance events (3000m steeplechase, 5000m). Field events include Pooja (high jump), Manpreet Kaur (shot put), Seema and Nidhi Rani (discus throw). Ravina and Priyanka will compete in the 10,000m race walk.
Mixed Relay Pool
AFI has also announced a dedicated pool for the mixed 4x400m relay, comprising Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, and Neeru Pathak.
Selection Process and Conditional Inclusions
World Athletics vice-president and former AFI president Adille Sumariwalla stated that selections followed the federation's established policy, including consideration of athletes who competed abroad with prior approval. He noted that Neeraj Chopra and triple jumper Selva Prabhu have been selected conditionally, pending their performances in competitions before the Games. Sumariwalla explained that both athletes requested that upcoming results be evaluated before final confirmation. Chopra is expected to participate in international meets to achieve the qualifying standard.
The squad reflects a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents, aiming to build on India's athletics legacy at the Commonwealth Games.
