The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced 32-member athletics contingent for Commonwealth Games 2026 which is slated to be held in Glasgow from July 23. The finalised roster consists of 22 male and 10 female athletes, completely filling India's allotted quota for CWG 2026. Headlining the squad is Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, though his inclusion remains subject to meeting specific selection requirements prior to the competition.
Neeraj Chopra's conditional inclusion in India's CWG 2026 squad
The men's lineup boasts a formidable presence in the field events, with high-profile athletes such as M Sreeshankar, Tejaswin Shankar, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Praveen Chithravel, and Rohit Yadav making the cut. Meanwhile, India's challenge on the track will be spearheaded by Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, and Gulveer Singh across the sprint and distance-running events.
On the women's side, Parul Chaudhary headlines the endurance category, while the trio of Manpreet Kaur, Seema, and Nidhi Rani will carry the nation's medal hopes in the throws. Additionally, Ravina and Priyanka have been officially selected to represent India in the 10,000m race walk.
The federation has also named a specialised pool for the mixed 4x400m relay, which includes Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, and Neeru Pathak.
Commenting on the announcement, World Athletics Vice-President and former AFI President Adille Sumariwalla stated that the selections strictly adhered to the federation's previously outlined policy, which included fair consideration for athletes who competed in overseas events with prior approval.
What caught everyone eyes was the conditional selection of superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and triple jumper Selva Prabhu. Both athletes have requested that the federation evaluate their upcoming performances scheduled right before the Games, and the governing body has agreed to review these results prior to officially confirming their participation.
The World Athletics Vice-President Adille Sumariwalla noted that the selection committee made it a priority to accommodate specific requests from athletes who have been training and competing outside the domestic circuit.
“There are two people who we have selected and they have requested that their performances, one in the coming interstate meet be considered. That is Selva Prabhu who is also an NCAA athlete as well as Neeraj who has requested that he would be participating in a couple of competitions before the Commonwealth Games. If he achieves his qualifying standard, he has also requested to be selected. Neeraj would participate in a couple of international meets before the Commonwealth Games,” Sumariwalla said in a statement.
India squad at CWG 2026:
Men:
Gurindervir Singh – 100m, Animesh Kujur – 200m, Gulveer Singh – 5000m, 10,000m, Tejas Ashok Shirse – 110m hurdles, Yashas P – 400m hurdles, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan – 400m hurdles, Sarvesh Anil Kushare – High jump, Adarsh Ram J – High jump, Dev Meena – Pole vault, Kuldeep Kumar – Pole vault, M. Sreeshankar – Long jump, Lokesh Sathyanathan – Long jump, Praveen Chithravel – Triple jump, Selva Prabhu* – Triple jump, Samardeep Singh Gill – Shot put, Tajinderpal Singh Toor – Shot put, Neeraj Chopra* – Javelin throw, Rohit Yadav – Javelin throw, Yash Vir Singh – Javelin throw, Tejaswin Shankar – Decathlon, High jump
Women:
Parul Chaudhary – 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, Pooja – High jump, Manpreet Kaur – Shot put, Seema – Discus throw, Nidhi Rani – Discus throw, Ravina – 10,000m race walk, Priyanka – 10,000m race walk
Mixed relay pool (4x400m mixed relay)- Vishal T.K., Rajesh Ramesh, Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, Neeru Pathak
(Neeraj Chopra and Selva Prabhu's selection is subject to their performance before the Commonwealth Games 2026)