Commonwealth Games 2026: All you need to know about Praveen Chithravel

Praveen Chithravel has established himself as India's leading men's triple jumper through a combination of consistency and record-breaking performances.

The national record holder heads to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after narrowly missing a medal in Birmingham four years ago.

Having since added medals at the Asian Games, Asian Championships and World University Games, the 25-year-old arrives as one of India's medal contenders in the field events. 

Early days

Born in a village in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district, Praveen grew up in a modest household. His father worked as a daily wage farm labourer, while his mother managed the family at home.

His talent first came to light when he won gold at the inaugural Khelo India School Games in 2018. Training under coach Indira Suresh at the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu's Centre of Excellence in Chennai, he quickly developed into one of the country's brightest young jumpers.

Later that year, Praveen made history by winning bronze in the men's triple jump at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the event at the competition.

Rising through the ranks

The Youth Olympic medal opened new opportunities.

Working with Cuban coach Yoandri Betanzos helped refine his technique as he transitioned into senior international competition.

His breakthrough at the elite level came in 2023 when he won silver at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships with a national indoor record before improving the Indian outdoor national record to 17.37m.

He later claimed bronze at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, establishing himself among Asia's leading triple jumpers.

Praveen also represented India at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and competed at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, gaining valuable experience against the world's best athletes.

Chasing consistency

One of the defining moments of Praveen's career came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he finished fourth with a best jump of 16.89m, narrowly missing out on a podium finish.

Rather than slowing his progress, the result became a source of motivation. Over the next few seasons, he continued to deliver consistently at major competitions, winning silver medals at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships and the FISU World University Games.

He also equalled his own national record of 17.37m in 2025 and later qualified for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2026 after another good season on the domestic circuit.

Eyes on Glasgow

Praveen heads to Glasgow as India's national record holder and one of the country's leading field event athletes.

Having finished just outside the medals at the previous Commonwealth Games, he returns with considerably more international experience and a stronger medal résumé.

With a national record of 17.37m, multiple continental medals and consistent performances over the past few seasons, the Tamil Nadu athlete will be among the athletes to watch in the men's triple jump competition.

Glasgow now offers him another opportunity to add a Commonwealth Games medal to an already impressive career.