India's Athletics Stars Set to Conquer Glasgow 2026!

AFI Announces 32-Member Athletics Squad for Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 - A Leaner India, With Everything to Prove 🇮🇳🏃‍♂️🏅

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has confirmed a 32-member track and field squad for the Commonwealth Games 2026, set to run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. The announcement arrives against a backdrop that is unlike any previous Games: with wrestling, badminton, hockey, and table tennis removed from a radically slimmed-down 10-sport programme, India's traditional medal machinery has been stripped away entirely.

What remains is this squad and the full weight of a nation's podium ambitions resting on their shoulders.

Why Glasgow Is Different

India's medal hauls at Birmingham 2022 and Gold Coast 2018 were built on strength-in-depth: combat sports, racquet disciplines, and team events collectively delivered the bulk of the hardware. None of those sports feature in Glasgow's compact programme, designed to run entirely on existing Scottish infrastructure.

That changes the calculus completely. The AFI responded by maximising its athletics allocation and enforcing stringent qualification standards; in several events, athletes needed to approach national-record level to earn selection. The result is a distilled, in-form squad with no safety net and no margin for off days.

Neeraj Chopra: The Asterisk That Everyone Is Watching

Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra headlines the provisional roster, but his inclusion carries an important caveat. “He (Neeraj) has recovered from a niggle and has assured that he will achieve the AFI qualification mark shortly,” says Adille Sumariwalla, Chairman Selection Committee, AFI.

Should Chopra clear his assessments, he enters Glasgow as the gold medallist from Gold Coast 2018 and the unquestioned favourite in the men's javelin. Alongside him, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh have already cleared the AFI's strict 82.61m qualification mark at the Indian Athletics Series in Ludhiana, ensuring India fields a competitive throws contingent regardless of Chopra's status.

Sprints and Hurdles: A Quiet Revolution

India's short-sprint programme has historically been its weakest link at international level. That narrative is now under direct challenge.

Animesh Kujur, the national 200m record holder at 20.32 seconds, enters the cycle as one of India's most credible track medal prospects following a silver-medal run (20.47s) at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Taipei. Gurindervir Singh bolsters an increasingly competitive short-sprint contingent.

The men's 110m hurdles has seen perhaps the most dramatic leap forward. Tejas Ashok Shirse shattered the national record with a 13.27-second run in Ludhiana: a time that puts him firmly in medal conversation at Commonwealth level.

Tejaswin Shankar's Historic Double

Tejaswin Shankar is attempting something rarely seen in Indian athletics: a genuine double campaign across two demanding disciplines. Already selected for the High Jump, he will also contest the Decathlon; an event in which he recently became the first Indian to surpass the 8,000-point mark, recording 8,057 points in May 2026. His presence in both events makes him one of the most compelling athletes in the entire Indian contingent.

The Full Squad at a Glance

The team features a perfect mix of speed, endurance, jumps, throws, and relays. Here's a breakdown of the announced squad:

Men:

• Sprints/Hurdles: Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), Tejas Ashok Shirse (110mH), Yashas P & Santhosh K (400mH), Vishal TK & Rajesh Ramesh (400m & mixed relay)

• Distance: Gulveer Singh (5,000m/10,000m)

• Jumps: Sarvesh Anil Kushare & Aadarsh Ram J (High Jump), Dev Meena & Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault), Sreeshankar M & Lokesh Sathyanathan (Long Jump), Selva Prabhu & Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump – Selva needs to hit 16.89m in Bhubaneswar)

• Throws: Samardeep Singh Gill & Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put), Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh (Javelin)

• Multi-Event: Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon & High Jump)

Women:

• Distance/Steeplechase: Parul Chaudhary (3,000m SC & 5,000m)

• Jumps: Pooja (High Jump)

• Throws: Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put), Seema & Nidhi Rani (Discus Throw)

• Race Walk: Ravina & Priyanka (10,000m)

• Sprints/Relays: Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, Neeru Pathak (400m & mixed 4x400m relay)

India will also field a mixed 4x400m relay team, adding another layer of excitement to the competition.

Medal Prospects: Where India Can Win

Building on Past Glory

Indian athletics has a proud history at the Commonwealth Games. In Birmingham 2022, the contingent secured 8 medals (1 Gold in men's triple jump by Eldhose Paul, 4 Silvers, and 3 Bronzes), showcasing India's growing dominance. Neeraj's historic gold in 2018 remains a landmark moment, and the current squad is inspired to surpass those achievements in Glasgow.

With sprint sensations like Gurindervir Singh turning heads in the short sprints and Animesh Kujur dominating the 200m, record-breaking hurdler Tejas Shirse, long jumper Sreeshankar M, and distance star Parul Chaudhary, expectations are sky-high. The AFI's tough qualification criteria, often demanding national record-level performances, have ensured a battle-hardened team ready to challenge the best from across the Commonwealth.

Looking Ahead: A Golden Opportunity

As the Games approach, these athletes will fine-tune their preparations through domestic competitions, including opportunities in Bhubaneswar. The entire nation stands united in support, cheering for podium finishes, personal bests, and unforgettable moments under the Scottish skies.

This squad isn't just a team, it's a symbol of India's athletic renaissance, driven by dedication, modern training, and unyielding spirit. Get ready for fireworks in Glasgow!

Jai Hind! Let's bring home the medals! 🏅🔥

Stay tuned for updates, athlete profiles, and live coverage as Team India gears up for Commonwealth Games 2026. Share your excitement !!!

Sources:

1. Athletics Federation of India - Official Squad Announcement, CWG 2026

2. World Athletics - Athlete Profiles & Competition Results

3. Commonwealth Games Federation - Official Results Archive

4. Asian Athletics Association - Championship Results

5. World Athletics Continental Tour - Taipei 2026 Results

6. The Hindu - click here

7. Olympics.com

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