Ranchi weather lifts athlete confidence ahead of 29th Senior Nationals
Synopsis
With the Glasgow Commonwealth Games just weeks away, Ranchi's mild weather has given India's top athletes — including decathlete Tejaswin Shankar and double-record holder Animesh Kujur — an unexpected edge at the 29th Senior National Athletics meet, the last domestic qualifier for the Indian CWG squad.
Key Takeaways
The 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competitions begin on Friday at Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi .
Tejaswin Shankar, 27 , shifts focus from high jump to decathlon ; won bronze in high jump at Birmingham 2022 .
Sprinter Animesh Kujur, 22 , holds national records in 100m and 200m and targets the 200m title.
A maximum of 16 men and 16 women will earn entry to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting 23 July .
The meet also doubles as the final selection trial for the National U23 Athletics squad.
Seven medal events are scheduled on the opening day, starting with the men's 10,000m .
Tejaswin Shankar, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in men's high jump, says favourable weather conditions in Ranchi will give athletes a crucial edge during the four-day 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competitions, which begin on Friday at Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi). Several other top athletes echoed his view as the domestic circuit's most important meet — and the last chance to qualify for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting 23 July — draws near.
Shankar Eyes Decathlon, Not High Jump
Shankar, 27, who won bronze in men's high jump at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, will compete in the gruelling decathlon this time around. He has been camping in Ranchi for two days to acclimatise. 'I've been camping here for the last two days to get used to local weather conditions, and surprisingly, the weather has been good in the morning and evening,' Shankar told reporters on the eve of the competition. 'Recovery between each of the ten disciplines in the decathlon, spread over two days, is important to perform at an optimum level.' He added with confidence: 'I'm all set to achieve my goal here in Ranchi.'
Sprinter Kujur Targets 200m Glory
India's leading sprinter Animesh Kujur, 22, who holds national records in both the men's 100m and 200m, says his primary focus will be on the 200m. 'I'm mentally and physically prepared to give my best here in Ranchi,' he said. 'The weather conditions are okay in Ranchi, and I have to perform exceptionally well to board the flight for Glasgow.' Kujur will also feature in the men's 100m on the opening day, acknowledging a competitive field but expressing readiness.
Selection Stakes and Team Strength
As per guidelines from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, a maximum of 16 men and 16 women athletes will receive entry. Lalit Bhanot, Chairman of the AFI Planning Commission, confirmed that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) selection panel will make the final call on team composition. The Ranchi meet will also serve as the concluding selection trial for the National U23 Athletics squad, with 400m runner Jay Kumar among the ones to watch in the U23 category.
Opening Day Schedule
Medals will be decided in seven events on the opening day. The men's 10,000m gets the meet under way, while the men's 100m and 400m first rounds are scheduled for the morning session, with semi-finals in both events in the evening. Medals will also be awarded in women's long jump, discus throw, and men's hammer throw, with the men's and women's 3000m steeplechase final closing the day's programme.
India arrived at Birmingham 2022 with momentum, winning eight medals including gold in men's triple jump through Eldhouse Paul. With Glasgow approaching, the Ranchi competition will determine who carries that legacy forward.
Point of View
With no second chance before Glasgow. Shankar's pivot to the decathlon is a high-risk, high-reward gamble: if he qualifies, India gains a multi-event contender; if he falls short, a proven high-jump medal prospect is left off the squad. The AFI's decision to cap entries at 16 men and 16 women also means the margins are razor-thin, and selection-panel discretion could define careers this week.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi?
It is a four-day national athletics championship held at Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi, serving as the final domestic qualifier for the Indian squad heading to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on 23 July. The meet also doubles as selection trials for the National U23 Athletics squad.
Why is Tejaswin Shankar competing in the decathlon instead of high jump?
Shankar has chosen to focus on the decathlon at the Ranchi meet as his primary route to qualify for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, shifting away from the high jump event in which he won bronze at Birmingham 2022. He told reporters he is 'all set to achieve his goal' in Ranchi.
How many athletes will India send to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games?
As per Glasgow Commonwealth Games Organising Committee guidelines, a maximum of 16 men and 16 women athletes will be given entry. The AFI selection panel will make the final call on team composition based on performances at the Ranchi meet.
Who is Animesh Kujur and why is he one to watch?
Animesh Kujur, 22, is India's leading sprinter and holds national records in both the men's 100m and 200m. He is targeting the 200m at Ranchi as his main event and has stated he needs an exceptional performance to secure a spot on the flight to Glasgow.
What events are scheduled on the opening day of the Ranchi athletics meet?
Seven medal events are on the programme for the opening day, beginning with the men's 10,000m. The men's 100m and 400m first rounds are in the morning session, with semi-finals in the evening. Medals will also be decided in women's long jump, discus throw, men's hammer throw, and the men's and women's 3000m steeplechase final.
