India's Athletics Stars Gear Up for Commonwealth Games 2026

As the Commonwealth Games 2026 commence in Glasgow, India's athletics team is ready to make a mark. With standout athletes like Sarvesh Kushare and Tejaswin Shankar competing in the men's high jump, the nation has high hopes for medals. The event also features competitors in hurdles, weightlifting, boxing, and swimming, showcasing India's diverse athletic talent. Read on to discover more about the athletes and events that could lead India to glory at this prestigious competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 10:06 IST

Athletics Action Begins for India at Commonwealth Games

The athletics segment of the 2026 Commonwealth Games kicks off on Monday in Glasgow, Scotland, with a keen focus on the men's high jump final, where India boasts a formidable lineup.

Leading the charge is Sarvesh Kushare, the current national record holder, alongside former record holder Tejaswin Shankar and Aadarsh Ram Jothi Shankar, setting the stage for an exciting competition.

Attention will be particularly on Kushare and Shankar, whose competitive history positions them as India's top contenders for medals in this event, according to insights from Olympics.com.

Earlier this month, Kushare made headlines by breaking Shankar's long-standing national record with an impressive jump of 2.31m in Bhubaneswar. He arrives in Glasgow with momentum, having recently finished third at the Monaco Diamond League.

While Shankar has shifted his focus to the decathlon in recent years, he remains a key figure in Indian athletics, notably winning a bronze medal in the men's high jump at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, marking India's only medal in this category.

In addition, Tejas Shirse, another national record holder, will kick off his campaign in the men's 110m hurdles heats, with the final scheduled for later in the day if he qualifies.

On the track, Gurindervir Singh, who holds the national record in the 100m, will participate in the opening round, while Murali Sreeshankar, a silver medallist from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will lead India's long jump efforts in the qualifying rounds alongside Lokesh Sathyanathan.

India's weightlifting team will also be in action, featuring three medal hopefuls at the SEC Armadillo: Gyaneshwari Yadav (women's 53kg), Bindyarani Devi (women's 58kg), and Valluri Ajaya Babu (men's 79kg), all aiming for podium finishes.

In artistic gymnastics, Protistha Samanta will compete in the women's vault final at The Arena, with Olympian Pranati Nayak serving as a reserve. Swathish KP is also listed as a reserve for the men's rings final.

Boxing will see Indian athletes in four round-of-16 matches, including Sachin Siwach (men's 60kg), Ankush (men's 80kg), Sakshi Chaudhary (women's 51kg), and Sumit Kundu (men's 70kg). Chaudhary faces a challenging bout against Botswana's Lethabo Modukanele, a former Commonwealth Games medallist.

In swimming, Olympian Sajan Prakash will compete in the men's 200m butterfly final, while Aryan Nehra will swim in the men's 800m freestyle final. Para swimmer Swatik Patil will also participate in the men's SB9 100m breaststroke event.

India's para athletes are set to compete for medals in the women's F57 shot put and men's T38 100m events.

In bowls, Putul Sonowal will wrap up his sectional matches against Kenya's Anwar Hamada after his semi-final aspirations were dashed on Sunday.