Neeraj Chopra Named in India's Commonwealth Games Athletics Squad
Neeraj Chopra's Selection for Commonwealth Games
Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist in javelin throw, has been included in India's athletics team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, contingent upon meeting the qualifying standards set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in forthcoming competitions.
The finalized squad, comprising 32 athletes, was determined during the AFI's final selection committee meeting. Notable athletes in the lineup include Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), Gulveer Singh (5,000m and 10,000m), Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon and high jump), Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase), and racewalker Priyanka.
The Commonwealth Games are slated to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Chopra's Return to Competition
Chopra has not participated in any competitions since the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo due to a back injury and is yet to kick off his season.
However, he is anticipated to return to competitive action within the next ten days and has asked the AFI to consider his performances in upcoming events for qualification to the Commonwealth Games.
AFI selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla stated during a virtual press conference, "Neeraj has recovered from his back injury. He is now fit and preparing to compete in the next ten days or so."
He further mentioned that Chopra intends to participate in a couple of competitions before the Commonwealth Games, aiming to meet the qualifying standard for selection.
Qualification Standards and Training
To secure a spot on the team, Chopra must achieve the AFI's qualifying mark of 82.61m in one of the upcoming events.
Currently, the 28-year-old athlete is training in Bienne, Switzerland, as part of a 47-day off-season training camp, accompanied by his physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha and coach Jai Choudhary.
In addition to Chopra, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh will also compete in the men's javelin throw event after meeting the qualification criteria at the Indian Athletics Series held in Ludhiana on Saturday.
Other Athletes and Their Prospects
Triple jumper Selva Prabhu's participation is also contingent on his performance leading up to the Commonwealth Games. The AFI requires him to demonstrate his current form before confirming his selection.
Prabhu will need to perform strongly at the Inter State Championships, scheduled in Bhubaneswar from June 24 to 28, to bolster his chances.
The Indian athlete, who competes in the NCAA circuit in the United States, recently jumped 16.92m to clinch the NCAA Outdoor Championships title.
Sumariwalla noted, "Selva has already qualified, but he will need to jump close to his qualifying mark for us to consider him."
Due to inconsistencies in dope control at NCAA meets, the AFI does not take these performances into account.
Athletics Squad Overview
Men: Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), Neeraj Chopra*, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh (Javelin), Lokesh Satyanathan, Sreeshankar (Long Jump), Selva Prabhu*, Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump), Samardeep, Tajinderpal (Shot Put), Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon, High Jump), Gulveer Singh (5000m, 10000m), Aadarsh Ram, Sarvesh Kushare (High Jump), Vishal TK, Rajesh Ramesh (4x400m mixed relay), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), Santosh T, Yashas P (400m hurdles), Dev Meena, Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault).
Women: Parul Chaudhary (3000m Steeplechase, 5000m), Seema, Nidhi (Discus Throw), Pooja (High Jump), Manpreet Kaur (Shotput), Ravina, Priyanka (10000m racewalk), Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, Neeru Pathak (4x400m mixed relay).