Glasgow: India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is in “perfect physical shape” ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, according to chief athletics coach Radhakrishnan Nair. The coach expressed confidence that Chopra and the Indian athletics contingent can deliver a stronger performance than the previous edition and improve India’s medal tally.

Chopra, one of India’s biggest medal hopes at the Games, arrived in Glasgow on Friday as he prepares for the men’s javelin throw event. The Olympic champion will return to Commonwealth Games action after missing the 2022 Birmingham edition due to injury.

Neeraj Chopra returns with renewed confidence

Neeraj Chopra has already created history at the Commonwealth Games, winning the gold medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Games in Australia with a throw of 86.47 metres. However, he was forced to miss the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games after suffering an injury setback.

The Indian javelin star also endured injury concerns in recent times. He suffered a lower back injury before the World Championships in September 2025, which affected his competition schedule.

Chopra participated in only one event this season before the Commonwealth Games. He competed at the Doha Diamond League in June, where he finished fourth with an effort of 85.69 metres.

Despite limited competition exposure, athletics coach Radhakrishnan Nair believes Chopra is physically prepared and mentally confident ahead of the major event.

“Chopra is in perfect shape physically. I have not seen him so good in a long time. He is very confident and we can expect a very good performance from him,” Nair told PTI.

The coach added that Chopra’s confidence level is high and he expects the athlete to give his best performance in Glasgow.

Strong competition awaits Chopra in javelin throw

While Chopra enters the competition as one of the leading contenders, the men’s javelin throw event is expected to feature intense competition.

The Indian athlete will face several top international competitors, including Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Grenada’s Anderson Peters and Pakistan’s defending Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem.

Arshad Nadeem’s presence will add further excitement to the event, as the two athletes have competed against each other at several major international competitions.

India will also have another medal contender in Rohit Yadav. The Indian thrower recently produced an impressive effort of 87.05 metres and will be hoping to replicate that performance on the Commonwealth Games stage.

The qualification round for men’s javelin throw is scheduled for July 30, while the final will take place on July 31.

India athletics team targets record medal haul

The Indian athletics contingent is aiming for a stronger performance compared to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The 32-member team won eight medals in Birmingham, including one gold, four silver and three bronze medals. However, Radhakrishnan Nair believes India has the potential to surpass that record in Glasgow.

“We will do better than in Birmingham and win more medals this time. Moreover, we are hoping to win two or three gold medals though I can’t tell from which events we will do it,” Nair said.

If India manages to win three gold medals in athletics, it would mark a historic achievement. The country’s best-ever performance in terms of athletics gold medals at a Commonwealth Games came in 2010 in Delhi, where Indian athletes won two gold medals.

At the Birmingham Games, triple jumper Eldhose Paul was India’s only athletics gold medallist. However, he will not compete in Glasgow as he continues rehabilitation after undergoing surgery for an injury.

Multiple Indian athletes in medal contention

Apart from Neeraj Chopra, India has several athletes capable of challenging for medals.

Nair highlighted India’s strength in multiple field and track events. The team includes two javelin throwers with medal potential, two long jumpers capable of crossing 8.20 metres and two triple jumpers who can achieve distances beyond 17 metres.

India will also have a strong contender in the high jump event after one athlete recently cleared the 2.30-metre mark.

Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh and women’s 3,000m steeplechase athlete Parul Chaudhary are also expected to challenge for medals.

Tejaswin Shankar could also emerge as a medal contender in the decathlon event, adding further depth to India’s athletics campaign.

Conclusion

Neeraj Chopra’s return to the Commonwealth Games has generated significant excitement among Indian sports fans. With the javelin star physically fit and confident, India will hope that he can once again deliver a memorable performance on the international stage.

With several athletes capable of reaching the podium, the Indian athletics team enters Glasgow with realistic ambitions of producing its best-ever Commonwealth Games campaign.