Why the Commonwealth Games Could Be Tougher Than the Asian Games for Indian Sprinters

New Delhi, July 14 – The schedule for 2026 places the Commonwealth Games (July 23‑August) ahead of the Asian Games (September‑October). For India’s 400‑metre specialists, the earlier meet in Glasgow is expected to pose a sterner test.

India will send a 32‑strong athletics squad, featuring veteran Vishwa Thennarasu in the men’s 400 m and the mixed 4 × 400 m relay. Speaking before a Polish training camp, Thennarasu stressed that “the competition is a sea; you must prove yourself with relentless effort.” He added that while medals are not guaranteed, thorough preparation makes them attainable.

Thennarasu’s recent performances include a national record of 44.98 seconds at the Federation Cup and a personal best of 3:00.32 in the men’s 4 × 400 m relay in Gaborone, Botswana. His mixed‑relay best stands at 3:14.81, achieved at the World Relays in China last year.

Jay Kumar, another 400 m hopeful, ran 45.47 seconds at the Federation Cup and will spend 45 days in a Polish camp ahead of Glasgow. He believes the Commonwealth Games are tougher because recent Commonwealth gold‑medal times have clustered between 43 and 45 seconds, whereas the Asian Games have generally seen slower winning marks.

The statistics back this view: Saudi Arabia’s Youssef Ashrafi clinched the 2023 Asian Games title in 45.55 seconds, while Zambia’s Mujla Samukonga captured Commonwealth gold in 2022 with a 44.66‑second national record. With these benchmarks, Indian athletes are treating the Glasgow event as a critical stepping stone before the Asian Games later in the year.