Apart from Neeraj, India’s athletics contingent has a packed schedule. Tejaswin Shankar begins his demanding decathlon campaign with five events spread across the day, while Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill will compete in the men’s shot put final.

Seema Kaliramna and Nidhi Rani feature in the women’s discus throw final, and Parul Chaudhary will aim for a podium finish in the women’s 5000m.

Vishal TK, Animesh Kujur and India’s men’s track cycling team also have important contests scheduled, while Martina Devi Maibam and Lovepreet Singh will look to add medals in weightlifting.

India enters Day 8 with momentum after an impressive performance on Wednesday. Murali Sreeshankar secured his second successive Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men’s long jump, while para sprinter Dilip Mahadu Gavit claimed gold in the men’s T47 100m after setting a Games record. Mohammed Basil Morssinganakth added another silver, and Indian boxing enjoyed a memorable day with multiple semifinal qualifications, guaranteeing at least 10 medals for the country.

The strong showing has taken India’s medal tally to 15 medals, three gold, nine silver and three bronze, placing the nation eighth in the standings.

Australia’s dominance continues with 103 medals, including 47 gold, while Canada and England occupy the next two positions. With Neeraj Chopra finally entering the competition and several medal events lined up, Thursday presents another major opportunity for India to climb the medal table.