India enjoyed a promising start to its swimming campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Friday as Srihari Nataraj qualified for the men’s 50m backstroke semifinals, while Karthik Budigina and Ali Imam advanced to the men’s 100m freestyle S13 final.
Srihari Nataraj books semifinal berth
Olympian Srihari Nataraj finished fifth in Heat 4 of the men’s 50m backstroke with a time of 25.52 seconds, securing his place among the fastest 16 swimmers progressing to the semifinals.
England’s Oliver Morgan topped the heat in 24.91 seconds, ahead of compatriots Jack Skerry (25.08), Matthew Ward (25.16) and Benjamin Winterborn (25.37).
Nataraj finished 0.61 seconds behind Morgan and will now aim to improve his timing in the semifinals, scheduled for 12:30 AM IST on Saturday.
Karthik Budigina strengthens India’s medal hopes
In the para swimming events, Budigina delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 100m freestyle S13, clocking 57.10 seconds to finish third in his heat and qualify for the final.
The Indian swimmer produced a strong finish after being fourth at the halfway stage, overtaking James Clegg in the closing metres to secure a top-three finish. Great Britain’s Stephen Clegg won the heat, with South Africa’s Hendricks also finishing ahead of Budigina.
Ali Imam also qualifies for S13 final
Fellow Indian Ali Imam also secured a place in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 final after recording 1:05.32.
Although he finished behind the heat leader, his time was enough to qualify for the medal race.
With Budigina and Ali Imam through to the final and Nataraj safely into the semifinals, India will look to continue its strong start in the pool and challenge for its first swimming medal at Glasgow 2026.