India’s athletics campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games gets underway in Glasgow on Monday, with a 32-member contingent aiming to improve on its eight-medal haul from the Birmingham Games. Led by Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, India will field a balanced squad featuring seasoned performers and emerging talents across track and field events.

Neeraj Chopra returns to the Commonwealth games 2026

Neeraj Chopra will be India’s biggest attraction as he returns to the Commonwealth Games after missing the 2022 edition because of injury. The 2018 Gold Coast champion will be aiming to reclaim the title in what promises to be one of the most competitive men’s javelin events in the Games’ history.

Chopra is set to face a star-studded field that includes Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, former world champion Anderson Peters, Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott, Kenya’s Julius Yego and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage. The event is expected to be one of the highlights of the athletics programme.

India hopes to surpass Birmingham medal tally in Commonwealth Games 2026

Apart from Chopra, India will pin its hopes on several athletes capable of challenging for podium finishes. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, high jumper Sarvesh Kushare, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, triple jumpers Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu, and javelin thrower Rohit Yadav are among the country’s leading medal prospects.

The squad also features promising athletes such as Gulveer Singh, Parul Chaudhary and Tejas Shirse, who have impressed with consistent performances on the international circuit. With a blend of experience and youth, India will look to make a strong impact across multiple disciplines.

After winning eight medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the Indian athletics team enters Glasgow with the ambition of delivering an even better performance. Although the competition will feature several Olympic champions and world-class athletes, India will be confident of adding to its growing success in global athletics.