The National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, set for May 22-25 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, will be crucial as the final selection trials for the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games beginning on July 23 in Scotland. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) revealed the qualification standards for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing that only a limited number of athletes will participate in Glasgow.
AFI’s senior vice-president, Anju Bobby George, highlighted that the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee mandates a maximum of 32 athletes in the athletics team, with at least 16 being female participants. Due to the limited number of track and field events at the Glasgow Games, the AFI will select the team based on athletes meeting the qualification marks in May.
The competition at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games saw the Indian team secure eight medals, including a gold in men’s triple jump by Eldhose Paul and a silver by steeplechase runner Avinash Sable. Notably, specific qualifying times have been set for various events, such as 13.39 seconds for men’s 110m hurdles and 12.67 seconds for women’s 100m hurdles.
The National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi will not only serve as the selection trials for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games but will also act as a qualification opportunity for the 2026 Asian U23 Athletics Championships. Looking ahead, the Asian Games in September holds significance in the packed 2026 athletics calendar, with the AFI planning to send a national team to the World Relays in Botswana in May.
