Sachin Yadav withdraws from Commonwealth Games 2026, set for elbow surgery

India's javelin contingent has suffered a significant setback ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2026, with rising star Sachin Yadav pulling out of the competition because of an elbow injury that is likely to require surgery.

According to a report by MyKhel, the 23-year-old has decided to withdraw from the Games after failing to recover fully from an injury that has troubled him for much of the season.

The uncertainty surrounding his recovery could also affect his participation in the upcoming Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, a crucial event for athletes targeting qualification for the 2026 Asian Games.

Injury halts momentum after breakthrough 2025 season

The setback comes after a difficult start to the year for the Uttar Pradesh thrower. After establishing himself among the world's emerging javelin stars in 2025, Sachin has struggled to reproduce those performances this season.

His most recent appearance came at the Rome Diamond League, where he managed a best throw of 79.18m. He had also finished with a best effort of 79.07m at the Federation Cup, marking consecutive competitions below the 80-metre mark.

Sachin, who hails from Khekada in Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as one of India's most promising javelin throwers in recent years. A former village cricketer, he switched to javelin as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks despite limited resources and financial challenges.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season, setting a personal best of 86.27m and finishing fourth on his World Athletics Championships debut in Tokyo, narrowly missing a medal by just 40 centimetres. He also claimed silver at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi and won gold at the National Games with a meet-record throw.

Representing Uttar Pradesh Police, Sachin has established himself among the world's leading javelin throwers and is widely regarded as one of India's strongest medal prospects alongside Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.

His rapid rise has earned praise from several experts in the sport, who view him as a future contender on the global stage.