Indian Para Swimmer Tejas Nandakumar Withdrawn from CWG 2026 After Eligibility Review

Indian para-swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled ineligible to compete at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games despite being named in India's contingent for the multi-sport event scheduled to begin on July 23 in Glasgow.

The 20-year-old swimmer was selected to compete in the men's 50m freestyle S7 event, and his entry had initially been accepted by the organisers. However, the Indian Olympic Association was informed on July 9 that his participation could not be approved following an international classification validation process.

In a letter sent to the IOA, Glasgow 2026 Sports Entries and Information Coordinator Georgia Lambert stated that Nandakumar had been declared ineligible after a review conducted by the international governing body responsible for para-sport classifications.

According to the communication, athletes competing in para swimming at Glasgow 2026 must hold an internationally confirmed sport class status or a review status with a fixed review date of 2027 or later as of the June 23, 2026 entry deadline. Nandakumar's classification status was listed as "R-2025," making him ineligible under the competition's eligibility requirements.

Nandakumar, who has a congenital condition affecting his legs, previously represented India at the 2022 Asian Para Games. He competes in the S7 category, which includes swimmers who have full use of their arms and trunk but have significant limitations in leg function or movement in multiple limbs.

Classification is a crucial component of para sports, ensuring athletes compete against others with comparable levels of impairment. Athletes are assessed by panels of medical and technical experts, and classifications may be reviewed periodically, particularly for athletes with progressive conditions or those whose impairments may change over time.

The decision means Nandakumar will miss the Glasgow Commonwealth Games despite being included in India's original squad announcement.