Athletics Federation of India Sets Record-Level Marks for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Qualification

**Live result:** Not applicable — item is a qualification-standards announcement, not a live fixture; no final score asserted.

NEW DELHI — The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set record-equalling qualification marks for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, requiring athletes in 17 events to match or surpass national records to earn selection, The News Mill reported on 15 July 2026.

The Commonwealth Games 2026 qualification criteria were raised after organisers trimmed the athletics programme, limiting each nation to 32 athletes, including no more than 16 women, according to olympics.com.

For men's events, national records must be beaten in the 100m (10.16s), 400m, 1500m, 110m hurdles and hammer throw. Animesh Kujur's 100m record of 10.18s falls short of the 10.16s standard, while Tejas Shirse's 110m hurdles mark of 13.41s narrowly misses, The News Mill reported.

Asian Games silver medallist Jyothi Yarraji, recovering from an ACL injury, must improve her 100m hurdles record from 12.78s to 12.67s. Vithya Ramraj, who equalled PT Usha's 400m hurdles record of 55.42s, now needs 54.67s.

The Federation Cup in Ranchi, 22–25 May, will serve as the final selection trials. Selectors retain discretion to include strong medal contenders who miss the standards.

At the 2022 Birmingham Games, India won 61 medals, with athletics contributing eight, including one gold.

## Commonwealth Games 2026 Qualification: Why the Bar Rose

The AFI's tougher benchmarks follow a reduced Glasgow athletics programme. Each country sets its own Commonwealth Games standards, unlike the Olympics, where World Athletics governs entry marks.

**External authority link:** olympics.com — Commonwealth Games 2026 schedule and events.

**Internal links (editor to add 1–3 before publish):** related Source Reporters articles, e.g. Commonwealth Games 2026 schedule explainer; India at Birmingham 2022 medal review.

**FAQ** *When are the 2026 Commonwealth Games?* The Games run 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. *How many athletes can India send in athletics?* A maximum of 32, including no more than 16 women, after the programme was reduced. *What is the men's 100m qualification time?* The AFI set the men's 100m standard at 10.16 seconds, just below Animesh Kujur's national record of 10.18s.

**Sources** - https://thenewsmill.com/2026/02/athletics-federation-of-india-sets-tough-standards-for-2026-commonwealth-games-qualification/

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