NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra led a clean sweep for India in the men’s javelin throw qualification at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with all three Indian throwers advancing to the medal round in Glasgow on Thursday.Joining the former Commonwealth Games champion in the final were Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, ensuring a full Indian contingent in the title-deciding contest scheduled for Friday.
Neeraj takes measured route to the final
Competing in chilly conditions at Scotstoun Stadium, Chopra adopted a cautious approach as he continued his comeback from a long-term back injury.The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist opened with a modest 76.28m, placing sixth after the opening round. He improved to 79.61m with his second throw to climb to fifth and, with qualification already secured, chose 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 major role throughout the event. With a steady headwind and temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, none of the competitors managed to breach the automatic qualifying standard of 84m, meaning the top 12 athletes advanced to the final based on their rankings.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 the Men’s Javelin Throw Qualifying round. (PTI Photo)
Rohit and Yashvir complete Indian clean sweep
India’s other two representatives also safely negotiated the qualification round.Rohit Yadav, who boasts a personal and season best of 87.05m, began with 77.04m before improving to 78.37m in his second attempt. Like Chopra, he skipped his final throw after confirming his place in the medal round, finishing ninth overall.Yashvir Singh, whose personal best stands at 83.72m, improved steadily through the competition. The 24-year-old opened with 73.89m, followed it up with 74.45m, and then produced 78.36m with his final attempt to finish 10th and seal qualification.Chopra is competing in his first Commonwealth Games since winning gold at Gold Coast 2018, having missed the Birmingham 2022 edition because of injury.The former world champion only returned to competition earlier this season after recovering from a persistent lower-back injury that had sidelined him since September last year. He made his comeback 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 Yashvir aim to challenge for podium finishes and complete a memorable outing for India.
