Athletics Federation of India Sets Tough Standards for 2026 Commonwealth Games Qualification

**Result/Score:** Not a scored contest — qualification-policy announcement; no final score to verify.

NEW DELHI — The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set stricter qualifying standards for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, raising the bar for Indian track and field athletes seeking selection, The News Mill reported on 15 July 2026.

According to the AFI, the revised marks apply across endurance, sprint and field events and are designed to ensure only athletes with genuine medal potential travel to Scotland. The federation said the tougher benchmarks follow a review of recent international performances.

The move comes as Commonwealth Games associations worldwide finalise qualification pathways for the Glasgow 2026 programme, scheduled for 23 July to 2 August 2026. Officials said the standards will be published on the federation's website and reviewed if global entry lists require adjustment.

## What the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifying standards mean

The decision mirrors a wider trend among Commonwealth nations tightening selection criteria to maximise podium returns. For African and global athletes, Glasgow 2026 offers a key marker on the road to the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.

**Global angle:** Nigerian and other African federations are likewise weighing tougher qualifying thresholds as the Glasgow Games approach, with selectors balancing depth of talent against limited quota places.

**Sources** - https://thenewsmill.com

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