NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra led a clean sweep for India in men’s javelin qualification at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with all three Indian throwers advancing to medal in Glasgow on Thursday.Joining the former Commonwealth Games champion in the final were Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh, ensuring a full Indian contingent in the title contest scheduled for Friday.
Neeraj takes a measured route towards the finale
Competing in cool conditions at the Scotstoun Stadium, Chopra adopted a cautious approach as he continues his comeback from a long-term injury.The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist opened with a modest 76.28m, placing sixth after the first round. He improved to 79.61m with his second throw to climb to fifth and, with qualification already secured, opted to skip his final attempt.Despite receiving the loudest cheers from the crowd while sporting a beanie in the cold Glasgow weather, Chopra focused on doing just enough to progress rather than chasing a big mark.Difficult conditions played a big role throughout the event. With a steady wind and a temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius, none of the competitors managed to break the automatic qualification standard of 84m, meaning the top 12 athletes advance to the finals based on their ranking.Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, winner of this season’s Doha and Rome Diamond League meetings, topped the qualification with a first-round effort of 82.84m.
Rohit Yadav warms up ahead of men’s javelin qualification round. (PTI photo)
Rohit and Yash Vir complete the Indian cleanup
The other two representatives of India also safely negotiated the qualifying round.Rohit Yadav, who boasts a personal and season best of 87.05m, started with 77.04m before improving to 78.37m in his second attempt. Like Chopra, she skipped her final throw after confirming her spot in the medal round, finishing ninth overall.Yash Vir Singh, whose personal best is 83.72m, has steadily improved through the competition. The 24-year-old opened with 73.89m, followed with 74.45m and then produced 78.36m with his final attempt to finish 10th and seal qualification.Chopra is competing in her first Commonwealth Games since winning gold at Gold Coast 2018, after missing the Birmingham 2022 edition due to injury.The former world champion only returned to competition earlier this season after recovering from a nagging back injury that had sidelined him since September last year. He made his return at the Doha Diamond League in June, finishing fourth with a best throw of 85.69m.With all three Indians safely through, the focus now shifts to the final, where Chopra will look to reclaim the Commonwealth Games crown while Rohit and Yash Vir aim to challenge for the podium and complete a memorable outing for India.
