CWG 2026: India double delight as Praveen, Selva reach men's triple jump final

India celebrated a double triumph in the men’s triple jump event on Day 8 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as Praveen Chithravel and Selva Prabhu advanced to the final. The pair secured their positions in a competitive qualification round held on Thursday, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics. Both athletes will compete in the final scheduled for August 1, aiming to bring home medals for their country. Praveen Chithravel made an immediate impact with a strong opening jump of 16.41 meters, placing him at the top of the qualification standings. Despite falling short of the 16.60-meter automatic entry threshold, his performance was enough to guarantee his place in the final. He chose to skip his second attempt, confident that his first jump would secure his advancement. Jamaica’s Jordan Scott later surpassed Praveen with a jump of 16.56 meters, but Praveen maintained his position within the top 12 qualifiers throughout the competition. Selva Prabhu faced a far more challenging path to the final. The athlete from Tamil Nadu struggled with his initial two jumps, both of which were fouled. This left him with only one chance to qualify, putting immense pressure on his final attempt. In a display of composure and skill, Selva delivered a solid 16.26-meter jump, securing third place in the qualification standings and ensuring his spot in the final. His performance underscored the resilience and determination required in high-stakes competitions. Both Indian athletes fell short of the automatic qualification standard, but their respective distances of 16.41 meters and 16.26 meters were sufficient to rank them second and third overall. Their achievements highlighted the growing strength of India in the men’s triple jump discipline. The final, set for August 1, promises to be a crucial opportunity for both Praveen and Selva to convert their qualification successes into podium finishes. The qualification round saw a total of 12 competitors advance to the final based on their performances. Jordan Scott of Jamaica emerged as the standout performer with his 16.56-meter jump, setting a high bar for the rest of the field. Other nations represented in the qualification included Australia, Canada, and South Africa, each contributing athletes who demonstrated varying levels of skill and consistency. Praveen’s steady approach and Selva’s late surge reflect different strategies employed by athletes in such high-pressure scenarios. While Praveen relied on confidence in his initial performance, Selva had to overcome early setbacks to secure his place. These contrasting paths illustrate the diverse challenges athletes face during qualification rounds and how they adapt to maintain focus and composure. India’s presence in the men’s triple jump final marks a continuation of its strong showing in track and field events at the Commonwealth Games. Previous editions have seen Indian athletes excel in disciplines ranging from sprinting to long jump, and this year’s performance adds another layer to the nation’s athletic legacy. As the final approaches, attention will shift to how Praveen and Selva perform under the spotlight, with expectations running high for potential medal finishes. The men’s triple jump final will take place on August 1, with all 12 qualifiers competing for gold, silver, and bronze. The event is anticipated to draw large crowds and media coverage, given the international interest in the sport and the participation of top-tier athletes. Both Praveen and Selva will aim to build on their qualification efforts, striving for personal bests and national honors.