CWG 2026: Tajinder, Samardeep qualify for men's shot put final
Glasgow, July 29
India's challenge in the men's shot put remained firmly on course at the Commonwealth Games as Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill progressed to Thursday's final after negotiating the qualification round with composed performances.
Leading the Indian charge was national record holder Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who comfortably surpassed the automatic qualification standard of 20 metres. After opening with a throw of 19.93m in Group A, the two-time Asian Games champion responded with a 20.14m effort on his second attempt to seal his place in the medal round. With qualification secured, Toor opted against taking his third throw.
His 20.14m effort ranked second overall in the qualifying competition, with New Zealand's defending Commonwealth Games champion Tom Walsh topping the standings courtesy of a first-round throw of 21.03m.
India ensured double representation in the final as Samardeep Singh Gill also advanced after producing a best mark of 19.95m in Group B. The 25-year-old set the tone with his opening effort, before following it up with a 19.75m throw and recording a foul in his final attempt. His opening mark proved enough to finish fifth overall across the combined standings of the two qualification groups.
The qualification format guaranteed places in the final to athletes who cleared the automatic mark of 20 metres, while the remaining spots were filled by the next-best performers until the 12-athlete field was complete.
For Toor, the qualification marks another opportunity to chase a Commonwealth Games medal after an interrupted recent history at the event. The 31-year-old finished eighth on his Games debut at Gold Coast in 2018 before missing the Birmingham 2022 edition because of a groin injury. He arrives in Glasgow in strong form, having already crossed the 21-metre mark this season, while his national record of 21.77m, set in 2023, remains the Indian benchmark.
Gill, meanwhile, continues his steady rise in the event. The 25-year-old owns a personal best and season's best of 20.46m and will now look to build on his solid qualifying display when the medals are decided on Thursday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive stuff from both athletes. Toor's 21.77m national record is something special - if he can get anywhere near that in the final, Tom Walsh will have a real fight on his hands. Gill is young and improving, good to see him in the mix. Let's hope they bring home gold and silver! 🤞
So proud of our athletes! But I wish the government gave more funding to athletics. We have so much talent but lack infrastructure in smaller towns. Toor coming from a village in Punjab and achieving this is incredible. More support needed for grassroots sports! 🙏
Tom Walsh is a beast with 21.03m, but Toor's 20.14m is just warming up. Remember, he didn't even take his third throw. If his groin holds up, we have a real medal chance. Gill also sneaking in with 19.95m - both need to peak on Thursday. C'mon boys! 🇮🇳🔥
Great to see two Indians in the final! But honestly, 19.95m is not going to win medals at this level. Gill needs to push beyond 20.5m in the final if he wants to compete. Still, good experience for him. Toor is our main hope - he has the pedigree. Let's hope for a podium finish! 🏅
Finally some good news for Indian athletics after Neeraj Chopra! Shot put has always been a strong event for us - Milkha Singh's era had some great throwers too. Toor carrying
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