Neeraj Chopra Headlines India’s 32-Member Athletics Squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

New Delhi, June 14: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Sunday announced a 32-member athletics contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, assembling a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars as India aims for a strong medal haul at the multi-sport event.

The squad comprises 22 men and 10 women, filling India’s allotted quota for the Games. The selection reflects the federation’s strategy of maximizing medal prospects across track and field disciplines while adhering to the athlete cap.

Among the biggest names in the contingent is Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, whose selection remains conditional on meeting performance criteria before the Games. Triple jumper Selva Prabhu has also been granted conditional selection under similar circumstances.

Announcing the team, World Athletics Vice-President and former AFI president Adille Sumariwalla said the federation had strictly followed its selection policy, including considering performances of athletes competing overseas with prior approval.

“We have selected 22 men and 10 women to fill the quota. The selection has been made as per AFI policy, and performances of athletes competing abroad with prior permission have also been taken into account,” Sumariwalla said during a virtual press conference.

Strong Men’s Squad

India’s men’s contingent boasts strength in jumps and throws, traditionally among the country’s strongest disciplines. Alongside Neeraj Chopra in javelin are Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh, providing depth in the event.

The shot put challenge will be led by former Asian champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill, while Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu will compete in triple jump.

Long jumper M. Sreeshankar returns as a key medal contender, joined by Lokesh Sathyanathan. Multi-event star Tejaswin Shankar, who will compete in decathlon and high jump, adds further experience.

On the track, sprinter Gurindervir Singh will contest the 100m, while Animesh Kujur will compete in the 200m. Distance runner Gulveer Singh has been selected for both the 5,000m and 10,000m events.

Women’s Team Led by Parul Chaudhary

The women’s squad will be spearheaded by distance runner Parul Chaudhary, who will compete in the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m.

In field events, Manpreet Kaur will represent India in shot put, while Seema and Nidhi Rani have been selected for discus throw. High jumper Pooja also earned a place in the team.

Race walkers Ravina and Priyanka will carry India’s hopes in the women’s 10,000m race walk.

Mixed Relay Pool Named

AFI also announced a five-member pool for the 4x400m mixed relay event. The relay squad includes Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur and Neeru Pathak.

Conditional Selections

Sumariwalla clarified that Neeraj Chopra and Selva Prabhu requested consideration based on performances scheduled before the Games.

“Neeraj will participate in a couple of international competitions before the Commonwealth Games. If he achieves the qualifying standard, his selection will be confirmed. Similarly, Selva Prabhu’s upcoming performances will also be considered,” he said.

The announcement marks the beginning of India’s final preparations for Glasgow 2026, where athletics is expected to play a crucial role in the country’s medal campaign.

India Squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

Men: Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), Gulveer Singh (5,000m, 10,000m), Tejas Ashok Shirse (110m hurdles), Yashas P. and Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (400m hurdles), 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), Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon/High Jump).

Women: Parul Chaudhary (3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m), Pooja (High Jump), Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put), Seema and Nidhi Rani (Discus Throw), Ravina and Priyanka (10,000m Race Walk).

Mixed Relay Pool: Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur and Neeru Pathak.

Neeraj Chopra and Selva Prabhu’s selections remain subject to performance criteria before the Commonwealth Games 2026.