Indian athletics is entering a decisive phase as it prepares for the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The transformation witnessed over the past decade can be best understood through three critical dimensions: Scale, Scope, and Speed. Together, they define India's shift from selective success to consistent, multi-event competitiveness on continental and Commonwealth platforms.

Scale: Building Depth and Strength

Scale refers to the depth of the athletics ecosystem, including the number of athletes, coaches, competitions, and support systems that nurture elite performance.

In India, the scale of athletics has expanded significantly through structured pathways such as Khelo India, strengthened inter-university competitions, Armed Forces sports programs, and revitalized state championships. A wider grassroots-to-elite pipeline has reduced dependence on a few individuals and created healthy internal competition.

This growing scale ensures sustainability, effective succession planning, and resilience, which are essential for long-term success at major international events.

Scope: Expanding Medal Possibilities

Scope defines the range of disciplines where India can realistically compete for finals and medals.

Earlier, India's medal prospects were limited to select events. Today, the scope has broadened across multiple disciplines including track events such as sprints, relays, hurdles, and middle distance races, as well as field events covering jumps and throws. Combined events and emerging disciplines are also gaining momentum.

Regular exposure at Asian Championships, international meets, and World Athletics circuits has elevated performance standards. Indian athletes are now qualifying consistently, reaching finals, and challenging traditional powerhouses.

An expanded scope translates into more medal opportunities and a stronger overall team impact.

Speed: Accelerating Performance Progress

Speed reflects how rapidly Indian athletics is improving in performance, preparation, and execution.

The pace of progress has increased due to the adoption of sports science, biomechanics, and video analysis, along with individualized training programs and precise peak-timing strategies. Improvements in recovery methods, nutrition, injury management, and smarter competition planning have further accelerated athlete development.

Athletes are achieving personal bests earlier and sustaining performance across seasons, indicating a system that is learning, adapting, and evolving efficiently.

The 2026 Vision

The integration of Scale, Scope, and Speed positions India as a serious multi-event contender at the 2026 Asian and Commonwealth Games. The objective is no longer limited participation or isolated medals, but consistent podium presence across disciplines.

Indian athletics is moving forward with confidence, supported by depth, driven by opportunity, and powered by rapid progress, towards a future where excellence becomes the norm on the international stage.