With the conclusion of the Indian Open Series 5 in Sangrur and Series 6 in Chennai, the domestic calendar ahead of the 2026 Federation Cup is now complete.

Eleven national-level competitions have been held so far this season, offering a strong indication of the form athletes are carrying into the Federation Cup — a meet that will double up as the selection trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

At the start of the season, several Commonwealth Games qualification standards appeared daunting on paper. But the performances delivered across the domestic circuit in recent weeks have shifted that perception, with a growing number of Indian athletes showing they are capable not just of meeting the marks, but competing at a far higher level.

1. Men’s 110m Hurdles

India’s 110m hurdles national record holder Tejas Shirse made a sensational return after missing most of the season due to injury, clocking 13.43s — India’s all-time second-fastest performance, just 0.02s shy of his own national record.

Alongside him, Krishik M produced a massive lifetime best, moving to India’s all-time No. 2 in the event rankings. Both athletes breached the Asian Games qualification standard and narrowly missed the Commonwealth Games qualification mark by just 0.04s and 0.05s, respectively.

Their timings currently rank as the fourth and fifth best in Asia this season.

2. Murali Sreeshankar – Long Jump

Murali Sreeshankar clinched the long jump title at the Indian Open Series-6 with a best attempt of 8.04m. This was his third competition of the season, where he has consecutively crossed the 8m mark, with a season best of 8.15m.

Looking at his current form, breaching the Commonwealth Games qualification standard of 8.05m looks well within reach.

3. Men’s High Jump

After Sarvesh’s historic 6th-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, where he registered a lifetime best of 2.28m — India’s all-time second-best height — he has had a relatively slow start to this season but still managed a season best clearance of 2.23m.

On the other hand, Tejaswin Shankar cleared an impressive 2.26m this season, while Aadarsh Ram stole the spotlight at Indian Series-6 by clearing 2.27m, the third-highest mark ever by an Indian high jumper.

This was another consecutive personal best for Aadarsh. After clearing 2.23m in his previous competition, he improved further with successful jumps of 2.24m and 2.27m. Aadarsh had earlier begun his season by clinching silver at the 2026 Asian Indoor Championships.

With three athletes looking in strong form, the Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 2.22m now appears comfortably achievable, and India can even dream of a podium finish. Notably, Tejaswin Shankar won bronze at the previous edition.

4. Men’s 400m Hurdles

At Indian Series-6, something remarkable happened as India’s current top three 400m hurdlers all went sub-50s in the same race.

For the first time ever, three Indian athletes clocked sub-50s in a single 400m hurdles race.

Santhosh T, Yashas Palaksha and Jabir Madari finished first, second and third respectively with timings of:

  • Santhosh T – 49.47s
  • Yashas Palaksha – 49.64s
  • Jabir Madari – 49.93s

All three athletes also breached the Commonwealth Games qualification standard.

This is only the second time in history that three Indians have gone sub-50s in the same season, with the previous occasion also coming in 2023, featuring the same trio.

Notably, Ruchit Mori had clinched last season’s Interstate title with 49.76s, while Subash Das and Murad Sirman registered season bests of 50.93s and 50.98s, respectively, at the meet.

5. Men’s Pole Vault

Pole vault has traditionally been an event where India lagged behind at the continental level, but over the past few years, Indian vaulters have shown tremendous progress.

Dev Meena, who broke the national record three times last season with clearances of 5.32m, 5.35m and 5.40m, equalled the national record again this season.

Meanwhile, his training partner Kuldeep Yadav, making a comeback from injury, cleared 5.41m to set a new national record.

Another athlete making waves is Reegan Ganesh, who cleared 5.30m to win the men’s pole vault title at Indian Series-6 in Chennai. This was the third time he crossed 5.30m this season and the first time he achieved the mark outdoors.

He also attempted the 5.45m national record and came agonisingly close to clearing it on his final attempt.

M Gowtham finished second with 5.10m, while Ram Ratan secured third place with 5.00m.

With the Commonwealth Games qualification mark set at 5.25m, the current form of Indian pole vaulters makes that height look increasingly attainable.