CWG 2026: Tajinder, Samardeep book men's shot put final spots in Glasgow
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill secured India's double berth in the men's shot put final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on 29 July, both advancing through the qualification round with assured performances. The final is scheduled for Thursday.
Toor Qualifies Second Overall
National record holder Tajinderpal Singh Toor opened his campaign in Group A with a throw of 19.93m before stepping up decisively on his second attempt with a 20.14m effort — comfortably clearing the automatic qualification standard of 20 metres. With his final spot confirmed, the 31-year-old elected to skip his third throw.
Toor's 20.14m placed him second overall in the combined qualification standings. Topping the field was New Zealand's defending Commonwealth Games champion Tom Walsh, who launched a first-round throw of 21.03m to lead all qualifiers.
Gill Advances Fifth in Combined Standings
Samardeep Singh Gill secured India's second finalist berth from Group B, posting a best mark of 19.95m on his opening throw. He followed with 19.75m before recording a foul on his third attempt. The 25-year-old's opening effort was sufficient to rank fifth overall across both groups, earning him a place in the 12-athlete final field.
The qualification format awarded automatic spots to athletes clearing 20 metres, with the remaining places filled by the next-best performers across the combined standings until the final roster was complete.
Toor's Road to Glasgow
For Toor, Thursday's final represents a renewed shot at Commonwealth Games glory after a disrupted record at the event. He finished eighth on debut at Gold Coast 2018 and was forced to miss Birmingham 2022 due to a groin injury. The two-time Asian Games champion arrives in Glasgow in strong form, having already crossed the 21-metre mark this season. His national record of 21.77m, set in 2023, remains the Indian benchmark in the discipline.
Gill's Steady Rise
Gill enters the final backed by a personal best and season's best of 20.46m, underlining the steady improvement that has brought him to the Commonwealth Games stage. His composed qualifying display will give him confidence heading into the medal round on Thursday.
What to Watch in the Final
India will go into the final with genuine medal ambitions. Walsh's 21.03m opener marks him as the clear favourite, but Toor — with a national record of 21.77m and a season already beyond 21 metres — is well within range of the podium. Gill's presence ensures India has a second string if Toor faces pressure. Thursday's final will be the definitive test of both athletes' Glasgow campaigns.