Neeraj likely to return to action soon, Indian athletics squad named for CWG

Neeraj Chopra’s long awaited return to action is possible in the next two weeks with the Olympic champions conditional inclusion in the Indian athletics squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games announced on Sunday.

Neeraj, who hasn’t competed since the disappointing 2025 World Championships, has been recovering from a back injury. Athletics Federation of India spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said Neeraj has been training well and working out his competition schedule. “He is training fit, now he has to be competition fit. He wants to participate in a few events before the CWG and we should know his schedule soon,” Sumariwalla said on Sunday.

Neeraj will, however, have to clear the AFI’s qualification mark of 82.61m to be considered. If he does compete, India will have three javelin throwers at Glasgow with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir both qualifying during the Indian athletics series 9 on Saturday.

Also included is Selva Prabhu, currently an NCAA athlete in the USA, in the triple jump provided the youngster is able to impress during the inter-state championships later this month. The 32-member Indian squad has 22 men and 10 women including national record holders Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (400m), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles) and Parul Chaudhary (3000m SC/5000m) among others.

“We were criticised a lot when we announced our qualification marks for the CWG saying they were too tough but we have got 32 athletes clearing and participating, proving our decision correct,” Sumariwalla said, adding that there would be no Indian entry in the men’s 4x100m relay. “We will also not have any 4x100m entry at the Asian Relays Championships because of several injuries,” he said.

The squad: Men: Gurindervir Singh (100m), Animesh Kujur (200m), Gulveer Singh (5000m/10000m), Tejas Shirse (110m hurdles), Yashas P, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (400mH), Sarvesh Kushare, Aadarsh Ram (High Jump), Dev Meena, Kuldeep Kumar (Pole Vault), Sreeshankar Murali, Lokesh Sathyanathan (Long Jump), Praveen Chithravel, Selva Prabhu (Triple Jump), Samardeep Singh Gill, Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put), Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh (Javelin Throw), Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon/ High Jump), Vishal TK, Rajesh Ramesh (400m/4x400m).

Women: Parul Chaudhary (3000mSC/5000m), Pooja (High Jump), Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put), Seema, Nidhi Rani (Discus Throw), Ravina, Priiyanka (10000m walk), Ansa Babu, Rashdeep Kaur, Neeru Pathak (4x400m).