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

NEW DELHI, India — The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set demanding qualification standards for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to The News Mill, raising the bar for athletes seeking selection to the national squad. The federation announced the revised criteria on Wednesday, tightening entry marks across track and field events for Glasgow 2026. The move follows the AFI's earlier publication of its qualification framework in February and is intended to ensure only athletes capable of final-round contention are nominated, the federation said. The standards apply to India's athletics contingent ahead of the Games, scheduled for July-August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. The AFI did not immediately detail event-by-event cut-off times and distances in the latest notice, according to the report. The decision comes as several Indian athletes, including javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, have already secured provisional spots through earlier competitions such as the Doha Diamond League, olympics.com reported in June. Stricter qualification benchmarks signal India's intent to convert its growing medal ambitions at major multi-sport events into concrete podium results in Glasgow, intensifying domestic competition for limited berths. Source: The News Mill, 15 Jul 2026. Source Reporters corrects errors promptly.