Indian athletics will have strong representation at the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix, with rising stars Krishik M and Shivaji M set to compete at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet in Riyadh on May 15-16, 2026.

Krishik heads into the competition in the form of his life after producing a sensational performance in his last outing. The hurdler clocked a massive personal best of 13.44 seconds in the men’s 110m hurdles, making him India’s second-fastest athlete ever in the event. The timing marked a major breakthrough for the young sprinter-hurdler and underlined his growing consistency at the national and international level.

With the Asian season gathering momentum, the Riyadh meet offers Krishik another valuable opportunity to test himself against a quality international field and continue his push towards the top of the Asian rankings.

Joining him in Saudi Arabia will be distance runner Shivaji M, who will compete in the men’s 3000m event. Shivaji has steadily built an impressive résumé over the last few seasons. Earlier this year, he won the 2026 national indoor title over 3000m and remains one of India’s most promising endurance athletes.

The 2023 Asian U20 Championships bronze medallist in the 5000m will now look to carry that momentum onto the continental circuit. Competing in Riyadh could provide both athletes crucial exposure and ranking points as they prepare for a busy international season ahead.

India’s men’s 4x100m relay team is set to return to international competition at the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix, scheduled for May 15-16, 2026, at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meet is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze circuit and is expected to attract a competitive field from across Asia and beyond.

The event will mark the Indian relay squad’s first appearance since the disappointing outing at the World Athletics Relays, where the team was disqualified under Technical Rule 24.7 after passing the baton outside the takeover zone. The error ended India’s campaign abruptly despite the team showing promising pace in the buildup to the competition.

The Riyadh meet now presents an important opportunity for the squad to regain rhythm and confidence ahead of a packed international season.

Among the athletes travelling to Saudi Arabia are Gurindervir Singh, Pranav Gurav and Harsh, all of whom will also line up in the men’s 100m individual event. The trio has been part of India’s emerging sprint setup and will be aiming to deliver strong performances against international opposition.

India’s fastest man, Animesh Kujur, is also set to compete and is entered in both the men’s 100m and 200m races.

The meet could prove significant for the Indian sprinters not only in terms of race exposure but also for valuable ranking points and relay preparation. With major continental and global events approaching later in the year, consistent international competition has become increasingly important for Indian athletics.

For the relay team especially, Riyadh offers a chance to move past the disappointment of the World Relays and focus on sharpening baton exchanges and race execution under competition conditions.

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved overseas training proposals for two of India’s top track and field athletes — double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh — ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Neeraj Chopra has received clearance for a 47-day off-season training camp in Switzerland, while Gulveer Singh’s proposal for training and competition exposure in the United States from May 15 to June 17 has also been approved. Gulveer will travel along with his coach as part of the programme.

The approvals once again bring into focus an ongoing debate within Indian athletics — whether elite athletes truly need expensive foreign training camps when training infrastructure within India has improved significantly over the past decade.

The issue has been discussed extensively by NNIS Sports, with differing views emerging from athletes, coaches and administrators. One side argues that India now possesses enough high-performance facilities, sports science support and coaching ecosystems to prepare athletes domestically, especially given the heavy financial costs associated with overseas camps.

Critics of frequent foreign exposure also point to the uneven allocation of resources, arguing that a small group of elite athletes often receive repeated overseas support while grassroots development and domestic competition structures still need strengthening.

However, supporters of international training believe overseas exposure remains critical for athletes competing at the highest level. Training abroad allows athletes to spar and compete with world-class opponents, adapt to different competitive conditions and gain access to specialised coaching environments that may still be difficult to replicate consistently in India.

For Neeraj Chopra in particular, overseas training has become a key part of his annual preparation cycle as he continues to compete regularly against the world’s best throwers. Similarly, for Gulveer Singh, exposure to the highly competitive American distance-running circuit could provide valuable race experience and help improve performance standards.

As India prepares for a crucial multi-sport cycle leading into the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, the debate over domestic preparation versus international exposure is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

After some of the best-ever performances at the Junior Federation Cup 2026, 50 athletes have been selected to represent India at the U20 Asian Athletics Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from May 28 to May 31, 2026.

All 50 athletes will attend a 19-day preparatory camp at SAI Bengaluru, approved under SAI’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Athletes selected along with their events:

  1. Rudra Shinde – 200m / 4x100m
  2. Mohammed Ashfaq – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
  3. Piyush Raj – 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mixed Relay
  4. Mogali Reddy – 800m
  5. Sandeep Yadav – 3000m
  6. Vikas Kumar – 3000m
  7. Nikhil C – 3000m Steeplechase
  8. Kiran K – 110m Hurdles
  9. Jashanpreet Singh – 400m Hurdles
  10. Amit Kumar – 400m Hurdles
  11. Nitin Gupta – 5000m Race Walk
  12. Tushar Panwar – 5000m Race Walk
  13. Basant – High Jump
  14. Shahnavaz Khan – Long Jump
  15. Jithin Arjunan R.C – Long Jump
  16. Royshan P – Triple Jump
  17. Nishchay – Discus Throw
  18. Ravi – Discus Throw
  19. Ashvendra Pratap Singh – Hammer Throw
  20. Aman – Hammer Throw
  21. Ashish Yadav – Javelin Throw
  22. Rishabh Giri – Javelin Throw
  23. Upkar – Decathlon
  24. Jakhar Rahul – Decathlon
  25. Anshu Rajak – 4x100m Relay
  26. Aditya Pisal – 4x100m Relay
  27. J Krishna – 4x100m Relay
  28. Mehebubul Ahamed – 4x100m Relay
  29. Ranjith Kumar S – 4x400m Relay
  30. Sayed Sabeer – 4x400m Relay
  31. Nakul Prabhu – 4x400m Relay
  32. Abhay Kumar Dubey – 4x400m Relay
  33. Nipam – 100m / 4x100m Relay
  34. Bhoomika Nehate – 200m / 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay
  35. Aarti – 200m / 4x100m Relay
  36. Neeru Pathak – 400m / 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay
  37. Tahura Khatun – 400m / 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay
  38. Muskan – 5000m
  39. Mansi Yadav – 3000m Steeplechase
  40. Aisha Verma – 3000m Steeplechase
  41. Pooja – High Jump
  42. Sadhana Ravi – Triple Jump
  43. Amanat Kamboj – Discus Throw
  44. Poonam – Javelin Throw
  45. Bhavana G – 4x100m Relay
  46. Kajal Hirabhai – 4x100m Relay
  47. Rujula Bhonsle – 4x100m Relay
  48. Sehnoor Bawa – 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay
  49. Kavita – 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay
  50. Mehardeep Kaur – 4x400m Relay / 4x400m Mixed Relay

Athletics Integrity Unit’s Disciplinary Tribunal has banned Kenyan athlete Hillary Kipchirchir Chepkwony for four years, effective from 8 December 2025, for the Use of a Prohibited Substance/Method in an Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) case. His results from 24 August 2024 onwards have been disqualified.

On 8 December 2025, the AIU served a Notice of Charge on the athlete under Rule 2.2 of the 2025 Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), relating to the Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.

Between 20 September 2022 and 2 January 2025, 17 blood samples were collected from the athlete as part of the World Athletics Athlete Biological Passport programme.

The Joint Expert Panel identified abnormalities in blood samples collected on 24 August 2024 and 29 August 2024, referred to as “Sample 14” and “Sample 15”. In its unanimous opinion dated 12 May 2025, the panel stated it was “highly likely” that the athlete’s passport profile was the result of the Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, specifically blood doping, and “unlikely” to be caused by any other factor.

The athlete disputed the findings and denied the charge. On 22 December 2025, he requested that the matter be heard before the Disciplinary Tribunal.

The Disciplinary Tribunal, constituted under Rule 1.3 of the 2025 ADR, has jurisdiction to hear Anti-Doping Rule Violations involving international-level athletes. The athlete did not challenge the application of the ADR, nor the jurisdiction of the AIU or the Tribunal.

Chepkwony, who is managed by Global Sports Communications, becomes the fourth athlete associated with the Ineos 1:59 Challenge and/or coach Patrick Sang to receive a doping ban. Sang is best known for coaching Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon to world records.

Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrguall Melese has died at the age of 36, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement expressing shock and sorrow over her sudden passing.

According to the federation, Melese died while on a regular training run as she prepared for upcoming competitions, including the Ottawa Marathon in Canada. The federation described her as a “hero athlete” and extended condolences to her family, friends, and the wider athletics community.

Melese had competed as recently as last month at the Paris Marathon, where she did not finish the race. Over a long and distinguished career, she represented Ethiopia at several international events and established herself as one of the country’s leading distance runners.

One of her biggest achievements came at the 2015 Chicago Marathon, where she finished second against a world-class field. She also claimed victories at the Shanghai, Prague, and Houston marathons, while winning the Paris Half Marathon twice and the Lisbon Half Marathon once.

Melese earned a bronze medal in the half marathon at the 2015 All-African Games in Brazzaville, Congo, adding another major international medal to her résumé.

In 2018, she recorded her personal best marathon time of 2:19:36, placing her among the fastest Ethiopian women of her generation. Known for her consistency and strength across the marathon circuit, Melese built a respected career over more than a decade in elite road racing.

Her death has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, particularly in Ethiopia, a nation with a rich tradition of long-distance running. Tributes have continued to pour in from athletes, fans, and officials remembering her achievements and contribution to the sport.

Kenyan distance runner Kibiwott Kandie has been issued a Notice of Charge by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), with an additional allegation of “Tampering or Attempted Tampering with Doping Control.” The charge comes on top of an earlier accusation of “Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection.”

Kandie, 28, is one of Kenya’s most accomplished road runners. He shot to global prominence in 2020 when he set a half-marathon world record of 57:32 in Valencia, becoming the first athlete to break the 58-minute barrier over the distance. He also won silver at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships and claimed bronze in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The AIU has not yet released detailed information regarding the latest tampering allegation or a timeline for disciplinary proceedings. Kandie remains provisionally suspended while investigations continue.

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.

Giridharani Ravikumar Blazes to Season-Best 11.51s

Chennai, TN – The women’s 100m sprint reached fever pitch at the Indian Athletics Series-6, as Tamil Nadu’s Giridharani Ravikumar delivered a masterclass in acceleration to clinch the title in 11.51s. The performance isn’t just a gold-medal run; it officially stands as India’s fastest time in the women’s 100m this season, reaffirming Ravikumar’s status as a top-tier contender on the road to the 2026 Asian Games.

Ravikumar, a 24-year-old national champion with a personal best of 11.36s (set in 2023), showed that her early-season form is peaking at exactly the right time. Having already won the opening leg of the series in Bengaluru with an 11.53s, she found another gear in the Chennai heat to shave off two-hundredths of a second and cement her position at the top of the national leaderboard.

 

While Ravikumar took the gold, the race was a tactical dogfight until the very end. Harita Bhadra, the reigning National Indoor Champion, opened her outdoor individual season with an explosive 11.55s. This mark is a massive lifetime best for Bhadra and currently ranks as the third-fastest time by an Indian woman this season. Bhadra’s transition from the indoor circuit to the 100m straight has been seamless, proving she has the top-end speed to challenge the traditional favorites.

The depth of the field was further showcased by Tamanna, who claimed the bronze medal with a lifetime best of 11.59s. A former Asian U20 Championships bronze medalist and a dominant force at the Khelo India Youth Games, Tamanna’s sub-11.60s performance marks her entry into the elite bracket of senior Indian sprinters. At just 21 years old, her progression suggests that the 4x100m relay pool is becoming deeper and more competitive than ever.

 

Veteran M.R. Poovamma Commands Chennai Track

The quarter-mile remains the territory of the experienced. At the Indian Athletics Series-6 held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, veteran Olympian M.R. Poovamma Raju rolled back the years to clinch the women’s 400m title, clocking a commanding season-best of 53.38s.

Poovamma, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist in the relay, has shown remarkable resilience this season. After a bronze-medal finish at the Indian Open 400m in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year (53.61s), she found an extra gear in the humid Chennai heat. Her performance is a significant indicator for India’s relay prospects, proving that the 33-year-old remains a cornerstone of the national 4x400m pool.

While the veteran took the gold, the story of the race was Ansa Babu. Finishing a close second, Babu registered a lifetime best of 53.50s, marking the first time in her career she has dipped under the 54-second barrier. Representing the Police Sports Control Board, Babu’s rapid progression—improving on her 54.01s from March—puts her firmly in the conversation for a spot in the primary national relay squad.

Rounding out the podium was Vijayakumari G.K., who clocked 53.58s. A consistent performer who also stood on the podium in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayakumari continues to provide the depth that makes the Indian women’s 400m field one of the most competitive in Asia.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for the AFI and the relay coaches was the return of Subha Venkatesan. The Tokyo Olympian and Asian Games medalist, who hails from Tiruchirappalli, finally opened her 2026 season on home soil. Winning her heat with a time of 54.80s, Venkatesan looked smooth and controlled. For an athlete who has battled through injuries and intense competition, this season opener is a vital first step toward regaining the sub-52s form that once made her an indispensable part of India’s mixed and women’s relay teams.