Srihari Natraj Advances to Semifinals in 50m Backstroke at CWG 2026

Srihari Natraj's Performance

Olympian swimmer Srihari Natraj has successfully reached the semifinals of the 50m backstroke event at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026, held on Friday. He secured fifth place in the heats with a time of 25.52 seconds.

Competing in the fourth heat out of five, Srihari finished 14th overall, but his performance was sufficient to earn him a spot in the semifinals. His qualifying mark for the CWG was 25.39 seconds, while the fastest time recorded in the heats was 24.45 seconds by South Africa's Pietr Coetze. The semifinals are scheduled for 12:30 AM on Friday.

Overview of India's CWG 2026 Campaign

India commenced its Commonwealth Games journey in Glasgow on Thursday, sending a contingent of 124 athletes. The competition format has been significantly reduced, featuring only 10 core sports and six para-sports.

Notably absent from this year's program are several sports that have historically contributed to India's medal tally, including wrestling, hockey, cricket, badminton, and table tennis, which could impact the overall medal count.

Indian athletes will participate in eight disciplines: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls, and swimming. Additionally, para-athletes will compete in five events: para-athletics, 3x3 wheelchair basketball, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, and para-track cycling.

Initial Triumphs in Lawn Bowls

In lawn bowls, Indian players Pinki Singh and Rupa Rani Tirkey kicked off their CWG 2026 journey with a hard-fought win in the women's pairs event. Furthermore, Putul Sonowal achieved an impressive upset against reigning world champion Ryan Bester from Canada in the men's singles event at the Scottish Event Campus on Thursday.

The CWG 2026 is taking place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, with India aiming to enhance its storied legacy at this prestigious multi-sport event.