Indian Athletes Set for Saudi Grand Prix 2026: Afsal, Kujur Lead Strong Squad

India’s track and field contingent will look to build momentum on the international circuit as several top athletes gear up for the Saudi Grand Prix, scheduled for May 15–16, 2026, in Riyadh. 

The meet, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level, offers a crucial competitive platform ahead of a packed season. Leading the Indian challenge will be national record holder Mohammed Afsal in the men’s 800m, alongside sprinters, hurdlers, and relay athletes aiming to fine-tune performance and gain valuable race exposure.

Mohammed Afsal enters the competition as one of India’s most consistent middle-distance runners. The 800m specialist had a breakthrough 2025 season, rewriting the national record twice and eventually clocking 1:44.93 to become the first Indian athlete to dip below the 1:45 mark. That performance placed him firmly among Asia’s elite in the event.

He has carried that form into 2026, already setting a new national short track record of 1:47.86 earlier this season. The Riyadh meet will provide an opportunity to test his race strategy and pace against international competition. With major championships on the horizon, maintaining consistency in timing and race execution will be key.

India’s sprint contingent will also be in focus, particularly the men’s 4x100m relay team. This will be their first outing since the disappointment at the World Athletics Relays, where the team was disqualified for a baton exchange outside the takeover zone. The incident highlighted technical gaps that need immediate correction. The Saudi Grand Prix offers a chance to rebuild rhythm, refine baton exchanges, and regain confidence under race conditions. Alongside relay duties, several sprinters will compete in individual events Gurindervir Singh, Pranav Gurav & Harsh

India’s fastest man, Animesh Kujur, will be a key athlete to watch as he lines up in both the 100m and 200m events. His participation across both sprints indicates a focus on versatility and race sharpness. For the sprint group, the emphasis will be on execution clean starts, efficient transitions, and maintaining speed through the final phases of the race.

In the hurdles, Krishik M will look to continue his upward trajectory. The young hurdler recently became India’s second-fastest athlete in the 110m hurdles with a personal best of 13.44 seconds. That performance marked a significant step forward, placing him within competitive distance of the national record. Competing at an international meet like Riyadh will be crucial for Krishik’s development, particularly in handling pressure and adapting to higher race intensity.

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The focus will be on maintaining rhythm between hurdles and executing clean, efficient clearance areas that often determine outcomes at this level.

Shivaji M will represent India in the men’s 3000m event. The distance runner comes into the competition as the 2026 indoor 3000m champion and a medallist from the U20 Asian Championships. His inclusion reflects India’s growing depth in distance events. The Riyadh meet will allow him to test his pacing and endurance against international fields, an important step in transitioning from junior success to senior-level consistency.

Events like the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix play a critical role in athlete development.

Indian athletics is currently in a phase of transition, with emerging athletes beginning to complement established names. Performances in events like Riyadh are important not just for individual athletes but also for assessing the overall progress of the system.

With the Asian Games and other international competitions approaching, the Saudi Grand Prix serves as an important checkpoint.

India’s participation at the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix 2026 reflects a well-rounded approach, with representation across middle-distance, sprints, hurdles, and distance events. From Mohammed Afsal’s pursuit of consistency at the top level to the relay team’s efforts to regroup and improve, the meet offers multiple storylines.

As Indian athletics continues to build depth and competitiveness, performances in Riyadh will provide valuable insights into where the athletes stand and what needs to be done to take the next step on the global stage.