Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

National records may not be enough: AFI raises bar for Commonwealth Games 2026 selection | More sports News

Published

on

National records may not be enough: AFI raises bar for Commonwealth Games 2026 selection
Jyothi Yarraji (ANI Photo)

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has set very tough qualification rules for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, making it clear that only the very best athletes will make the cut. With the athletics programme scaled down and each country allowed to send just 32 athletes, AFI has raised standards so high that competitors in 17 events must equal or even break existing national records to be selected.Several big names will have a challenge on their hands. In men’s sprint and track events like the 100m, 400m, 1500m and 110m hurdles, the qualifying times are actually faster than current Indian records. Even national record holders such as Animesh Kujur and Tejas Shirse fall just short of the required marks. On the women’s side, Asian Games medallist Jyothi Yarraji must better her own national record in the 100m hurdles after returning from injury, while Vithya Ramraj has to go faster than PT Usha’s long-standing 400m hurdles record she had earlier equalled.Key qualifying standards (selected events)

  • Men’s 100m: 10.16s
  • Women’s 100m: 11.17s
  • Men’s 400m: 44.96s
  • Women’s 400m: 51.36s
  • Men’s 1500m: 3:30.82
  • Women’s 1500m: 4:05.09
  • Men’s 5000m: 13:19.64
  • Women’s 5000m: 14:56.60
  • Men’s 10,000m: 27:39.03
  • Women’s 10,000m: 31:14.14

There is some breathing space in field events like men’s javelin. The qualifying mark is 82.61 metres, a distance already crossed by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and others.The AFI has announced that the Federation Cup in Ranchi, from May 22 to 25, will serve as the final selection trials. Even athletes who have already met the standard must compete. However, selectors can make exceptions in special cases and still pick athletes seen as strong medal contenders.Unlike the Olympics, each country sets its own Commonwealth Games standards. India will be aiming to improve on its eight athletics medals from the 2022 Games when the event takes place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

‘Favourites tag doesn’t come easy’: Shubman Gill’s bold Team India message | Cricket News

Published

on

‘Favourites tag doesn’t come easy’: Shubman Gill’s bold Team India message
Shubman Gill (Pic credit: Gill’s X post)

NEW DELHI: India captain Shubman Gill delivered a powerful message after being named the winner of the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for 2025, underlining the weight of expectations that come with representing one of the world’s top sides.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking after receiving the honour at the BCCI’s Naman Awards, Gill highlighted the collective effort behind India’s rise as a dominant force, while stressing that their reputation as favourites has been hard-earned.“It’s efforts by everyone — whether it’s Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach; they all work tirelessly to make this group what it is today. That’s why we are recognised as one of the most fearless teams in the world, and wherever we go, we are looked upon as favourites. That tag doesn’t come easy,” Gill said.

Watch

Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as Indian cricket’s golden period

The 26-year-old also reflected on the significance of joining an elite list of past winners, calling the recognition deeply special.“Obviously, it feels quite amazing to be recognised among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. It’s truly a great honour every time you step on the field to represent your country… and to do well in that sport and be recognised by the BCCI is an immense honour,” he added.Shubman Gill credits Gambhir and support staffGill credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and the wider support staff, including the Centre of Excellence, for shaping the team’s fearless approach.Reflecting on the past year, Gill termed it an “amazing journey,” pointing to India’s resilience during the England series. “Going into the England series and coming back to draw the series from where we were after the first Test match… it’s been a truly great year,” he said, also referencing strong outings in the West Indies and the Asia Cup.Looking ahead, Gill acknowledged the importance of the upcoming Test calendar, with crucial series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia set to define India’s World Test Championship hopes.“We’ve got some really crucial Test series coming up. Hopefully we are able to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals,” he said.Despite the accolades, Gill downplayed discussions around legacy, focusing instead on team identity. “We want to be looked upon… as a team that doesn’t give up easily. We want to instil that kind of character,” he noted.

Banner Insert

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Controversy at Miami Open as Katerina Siniakova ignores opponent, leaves her confused in bizarre handshake drama

Published

on

In an unusual turn of events at the 2026 Miami Open, Czech tennis player Katerina Siniakova was seen executing unsportsmanlike behaviour following her loss to Colombian player Camila Osorio. They both locked heads during the first round on March 18, 2026.

Siniakova made her appearance at the 2026 Miami Open after having last competed at the Indian Wells Masters, where she retired halfway. While facing Elina Svitolina in the round of 16, Siniakova was trailing 6-1, 1-1. However, following the first game point in the second set, the Czech tennis player retired, citing a right hip injury.

Osorio’s last appearance was also at the Indian Wells, where she concluded her run following the loss against the Japanese star Naomi Osaka in the third round. Both competed against each other in the first round at the Miami Open, where the Colombian bested the Czech player 6-1, 6-4. However, the most striking moment came when Katerina Siniakova brushed off Osorio and ignored her after the match concluded.

Advertisement

While Siniakova was seen lying on the court, expressing her discontent, Osorio walked on the opponent’s side of the court and initiated a handshake. However, Siniakova ignored the winner even though the latter followed her till the end of the court, leaving her standing awkwardly and in confusion.

Watch the bizarre handshake drama between Siniakova and Osorio:

Before the 2026 Miami Open, Osorio and Siniakova competed against each other at the 2026 WTA Doha, Qatar – Round of 32 on February 10, in which the Colombian won. She will next compete against Karolina Muchova at the Miami Open.

Mirra Andreeva expresses frustration after her defeat against Katerina Siniakova at the Indian Wells Masters

 Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images
Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images

Fans witnessed a similar spectacle as Katerina Siniakova vs Camila Osorio faceoff during the Czech’s match against defending champion Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 Indian Wells Masters tournament. Siniakova and Andreeva vied against each other in the round of 32, which the Czech dominated with 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

While Andreva entered the tournament as the eighth seed and the defending champion, Siniakova competed as an unseeded player. Andreeva’s discontent throughout the faceoff was unmissable, with the defending champion smashing her racket several times. She threw her racket after after losing the second set tiebreaker, which resulted in a code violation. Andreva repeated the same gesture after the match point. She was seen leaving the court by gesturing and shouting at the spectators.

Advertisement