Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Nataraj misses final; Prakash exits CWG
Srihari Nataraj, an Indian swimmer, made it to the semifinals in the men's 100m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
He swam 55.58 seconds, which was good enough to advance, even though it was slower than his best time.
This is a big deal because he could become only the second Indian swimmer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
On the other hand, Sajan Prakash, another Indian swimmer, didn't make it to the semifinals in the 50m butterfly.
He swam 24.94 seconds, which was not fast enough.
He also didn't do well in the 200m butterfly, finishing eighth with a time of 1:58.05.
This was a tough competition for him, as both times were slower than his personal bests.
India's hopes for a swimming medal now rest mostly on Nataraj.
Srihari Nataraj advanced to the semifinals in the men's 100m backstroke with a time of 55.58 seconds.
Nataraj's time was outside his personal best but sufficient for qualification.
Nataraj is India's hope to become only the second Indian swimmer to win a Commonwealth Games medal.
Sajan Prakash failed to qualify for the semifinals in the 50m butterfly, finishing 28th overall with a time of 24.94 seconds.
Prakash also finished eighth in the 200m butterfly final with a time of 1:58.05, below his personal best.
- Who
- Srihari Nataraj and Sajan Prakash
- What
- Nataraj advanced to the semifinals in the 100m backstroke; Prakash exited after failing to qualify in the 50m butterfly.
- When
- Tuesday, Commonwealth Games 2026
- Where
- Commonwealth Games 2026 venue
- Why
- Nataraj's time was sufficient for qualification; Prakash's times were below his personal bests and national records.
Nataraj's Performance
Prakash's Struggles
100m Backstroke Semifinals
Nataraj's Performance
Nataraj advanced to the semifinals with a time of 55.58 seconds, securing 13th place overall.
Prakash's Struggles
Prakash failed to qualify for the semifinals in the 50m butterfly, finishing 28th overall.
Personal Bests
Nataraj's Performance
Nataraj's time was outside his personal best but sufficient for qualification.
Prakash's Struggles
Prakash's times in both the 50m and 200m butterfly were below his personal bests.
Campaign Outcome
Nataraj's Performance
Nataraj continues to be India's hope for a medal in swimming.
Prakash's Struggles
Prakash's Commonwealth Games campaign ended without advancing beyond preliminary rounds.
- Event
- Commonwealth Games 2026
- Nataraj's 100m Backstroke Time
- 55.58 seconds
- Nataraj's Personal Best
- 53.77 seconds (2021)
- Prakash's 50m Butterfly Time
- 24.94 seconds
- Prakash's Personal Best (50m Butterfly)
- 23.83 seconds
- Prakash's 200m Butterfly Time
- 1:58.05
- Prakash's Personal Best (200m Butterfly)
- 1:56.38
- India's Last Commonwealth Games Swimming Medal
- Prasanta Karmakar, Bronze in 50m Freestyle S9 (2010)
Sources
CWG: Srihari Nataraj enters 100m backstroke semis; Sajan Prakash bows out of 50m butterfly
Srihari misses 100m backstroke final
Commonwealth Games: Indian Swimmers' Semifinal Challenge Ends
CWG 2026: Nataraj seals 100m backstroke SF berth; Sajan exits butterfly events