Srihari Nataraj, Sajan Prakash Head India's Five-Member Swimming Squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has named a compact yet promising five-member swimming squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Olympians Srihari Nataraj and Sajan Prakash leading India's challenge at one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

Joining the experienced duo are Aryan Nehra, Aneesh S. Gowda, and Dhakshan Shashikumar, representing a new generation of Indian swimmers who have consistently raised the bar in domestic and international competitions.

The swimming events at the Commonwealth Games will take place from July 24 to 29 at the historic Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the same venue that hosted the aquatics programme during the Glasgow 2014 Games. The 2026 edition will feature 56 medal events, including the Commonwealth Games debut of the men's 800m freestyle and the women's 1500m freestyle, reflecting the sport's continued evolution.

Leading the squad is Srihari Nataraj, India's premier backstroke specialist and a two-time Olympian. Nataraj will compete in both the 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke, events in which he has consistently established himself as India's fastest swimmer. At the previous Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, he reached the finals in both backstroke events, finishing fifth in the 50m and seventh in the 100m, performances that remain among India's best results in swimming at the Games.

Having recently clocked 25.21 seconds in the 50m backstroke and 55.75 seconds in the 100m event during qualification, Nataraj enters Glasgow hoping to once again challenge for a place in the finals. His explosive starts, underwater dolphin kicks and efficient stroke mechanics continue to make him India's strongest medal hopeful in the pool.

Another familiar face in the Indian contingent is Sajan Prakash, who remains one of the country's most accomplished swimmers. The two-time Olympian will compete in his signature 200m butterfly, an event in which he has represented India at multiple global championships. Sajan secured qualification after clocking 1:57.09, narrowly beating the qualifying standard. At 32, he continues to rely on experience, race management and technical efficiency as he competes against some of the Commonwealth's strongest butterfly specialists.

His presence also provides valuable leadership to a squad featuring several younger swimmers making significant strides at the international level.

Aryan Nehra Eyes Strong Distance Finish

One of the brightest prospects in Indian swimming is Aryan Nehra, who will compete in the 1500m freestyle. Currently training under renowned coach Fred Vergnoux in France through the World Aquatics Swim Development Programme, Nehra has transformed into India's leading distance swimmer. He recently rewrote the national record books by clocking 15:14.88 in the 1500m freestyle while also setting a new Indian record in the 800m freestyle.

His remarkable aerobic endurance and consistent pacing have made him one of India's most exciting long-distance talents, and Glasgow presents another opportunity to test himself against the Commonwealth's elite.

The squad also features two emerging freestyle specialists from Karnataka. Aneesh S. Gowda will compete in the 200m freestyle, an event where he has steadily improved over recent seasons. His personal best of 1:52.09 reflects his growing consistency in middle-distance racing. Meanwhile, Dhakshan Shashikumar will make his Commonwealth Games debut in the 400m freestyle.

Still only 19, Dhakshan announced himself on the national stage by setting a junior national record of 3:57.77 before earning a top-eight finish at the Asian Youth Games.

His inclusion highlights India's commitment to developing young swimmers capable of competing consistently on the international stage.

Beyond the individual events, India's selected swimmers are also expected to contribute to the 4x200m freestyle relay. The relay has become an important focus area for Indian swimming in recent years, with the team setting a national record of 7:23.38 during the 2025 Asian Aquatics Championships. Although qualifying for the Commonwealth Games final remains a challenging objective, continued improvements in relay coordination and faster exchange times provide optimism for future international success.

The five-member squad reflects a blend of experience and youth. Nataraj and Sajan Prakash bring invaluable exposure from multiple Olympic Games and major international championships, while Aryan Nehra, Aneesh Gowda and Dhakshan Shashikumar represent the next generation expected to carry Indian swimming forward. Although the Commonwealth Games will feature some of the world's strongest swimmers from Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand, the event also offers Indian athletes another opportunity to test themselves against elite competition.

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For several members of the squad, the primary target will be reaching finals, improving national records and gaining valuable experience ahead of future World Championships and Olympic qualification cycles. As Indian swimming continues to make steady progress through improved coaching, overseas training opportunities and enhanced sports science support, Glasgow 2026 represents another important milestone in the country's long-term journey towards becoming more competitive on the global stage.

India's Swimming Squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games

• Srihari Nataraj – 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke

• Aryan Nehra – 1500m Freestyle

• Sajan Prakash – 200m Butterfly

• Aneesh S. Gowda – 200m Freestyle

• Dhakshan Shashikumar – 400m Freestyle