AFI Announces 32-Member Athletics Squad for 2026 Commonwealth Games, Neeraj Chopra and Selva Prabhu Included Provisionally
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has unveiled a 32-member athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, selecting a balanced mix of established stars and emerging talents across track and field disciplines.
The contingent comprises 22 men and 10 women, with several national record holders and international medal contenders expected to spearhead India’s campaign.
Among the most notable inclusions are Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and NCAA champion Selva Prabhu, both of whom have been placed in the provisional category. The duo is expected to participate in competitions before the Commonwealth Games, with their final inclusion subject to meeting the federation’s requirements.
The biggest talking point from the announcement is the provisional selection of Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin throw and Selva Prabhu in the men’s triple jump. Neeraj, India’s greatest-ever javelin thrower and an Olympic and World Championships medallist, remains one of the country’s brightest medal hopes. However, AFI has indicated that his selection will be confirmed after he competes in events leading up to the Games.
Similarly, Selva Prabhu, who recently scripted history by winning the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships triple jump title in the United States, has also been named provisionally. His remarkable rise has made him one of India’s most exciting field event prospects, and he will look to continue his form before securing his place in the final squad.
Sprint Stars Lead Strong Men’s Squad
The men’s squad features several athletes who have enjoyed breakthrough seasons. National 100m record holder Gurindervir Singh has been selected for the sprint event, while Animesh Kujur will represent India in the 200m after his impressive performances over the past year.
Tejas Ashok Shirse earns his place in the 110m hurdles following his sensational national record of 13.27 seconds, a performance that established him among Asia’s leading hurdlers. Yashas P will contest the 400m hurdles, while Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan also strengthens India’s hurdles contingent.
In middle and long-distance events, Gulveer Singh has been picked for both the 5,000m and 10,000m races after consistently delivering impressive results on the international circuit.
India’s field event lineup is among the strongest in recent memory. Alongside Selva Prabhu in the triple jump, Praveen Chithravel has also earned selection in the event. Sarvesh Anil Kushare and Aadarsh Ram J will compete in the high jump, while Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar have been selected in the pole vault.
In the long jump, Sreeshankar M returns to bolster India’s medal hopes, while shot put responsibilities will be shared by Samardeep Singh Gill and Tajinderpal Singh Toor, one of India’s most decorated throwers. The javelin throw squad includes Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh. Rohit and Yashvir recently achieved lifetime bests exceeding 82 metres, making the event one of India’s strongest disciplines heading into the Games.
Tejaswin Shankar has been selected in the decathlon while also retaining the option to compete in the high jump, underlining his versatility.
The women’s team features several athletes who have rewritten national records in recent months. Distance runner Parul Chaudhary has been selected for both the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m, continuing her remarkable progression after breaking the national record in the latter event. Teenage high jumper Pooja earns a deserved place following her rapid rise, while veteran shot putter Manpreet Kaur brings valuable experience to the squad.
In the throws, Seema and Nidhi Rani have both been included after surpassing the Commonwealth Games qualification standards in the discus throw.
Race walking responsibilities will rest with Ravina and Priyanka in the women’s 10,000m event, while Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur and Neeru Pathak complete the women’s 4x400m relay pool.
The composition of the squad reflects AFI’s strategy of combining experienced international performers with athletes who have excelled on the domestic and collegiate circuits. Recent performances by Rohit Yadav, Tejas Shirse, Parul Chaudhary, Selva Prabhu and several others have demonstrated the increasing depth within Indian athletics. Their inclusion alongside proven campaigners like Neeraj Chopra, Tejaswin Shankar and Tajinderpal Singh Toor provides India with strength across multiple disciplines.
The federation has also rewarded athletes who achieved qualification standards through standout performances at events such as the Indian Athletics Series and NCAA Championships.
With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, India will hope this 32-member contingent can deliver another memorable athletics campaign. The provisional status of Neeraj Chopra and Selva Prabhu means their participation will be closely monitored in upcoming competitions, but both remain central figures in India’s medal ambitions.
From sprints and hurdles to distance running and field events, the announced squad showcases the growing depth of Indian athletics. If recent performances are any indication, India will travel to the Commonwealth Games with realistic hopes of multiple podium finishes and several athletes capable of producing career-defining performances on one of sport’s biggest stages.
Sure. Here's a section you can include in the article listing all the selected athletes along with their events.
India’s 32-Member Athletics Squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Men (22)
Gurindervir Singh – 100m
Animesh Kujur – 200m
Gulveer Singh – 5000m / 10000m
Tejas Ashok Shirse – 110m Hurdles
Yashas P – 400m Hurdles
Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan – 400m Hurdles
Sarvesh Anil Kushare – High Jump
Aadarsh Ram J – High Jump
Dev Meena – Pole Vault
Kuldeep Kumar – Pole Vault
Sreeshankar M – Long Jump
Lokesh Sathyanathan – Long Jump
Praveen Chithravel – Triple Jump
Selva Prabhu – Triple Jump (Provisional Selection)
Samardeep Singh Gill – Shot Put
Tajinderpal Singh Toor – Shot Put
Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw (Provisional Selection)
Rohit Yadav – Javelin Throw
Yash Vir Singh – Javelin Throw
Tejaswin Shankar – Decathlon / High Jump
Vishal T K – 400m & 4x400m Relay
Rajesh Ramesh – 400m & 4x400m Relay
Women (10)
Parul Chaudhary – 3000m Steeplechase / 5000m
Pooja – High Jump
Manpreet Kaur – Shot Put
Seema – Discus Throw
Nidhi Rani – Discus Throw
Ravina A. – 10000m Race Walk
Priyanka – 10000m Race Walk
Ansa Babu – 4x400m Relay
Rashdeep Kaur – 4x400m Relay
Neeru Pathak – 4x400m Relay
Notably, Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw) and Selva Prabhu (Triple Jump) have been included in the provisional list and are expected to compete in events before their places in the Commonwealth Games squad are finalised.
Comments (0)
to post comments, replies, and votes.
Loading comments…
