The Mission Olympic Cell has cleared overseas training plans for Olympic medallists Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker, along with long-distance runner Gulveer Singh, as preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The approvals cover extended foreign training camps, competition exposure and full support teams.
Neeraj, a two-time Olympic medallist and TOPS Core athlete, will hold a 47-day off-season camp at the Olympic Training Centre in Bienne, Switzerland. The camp runs from May 25 to July 10, while Neeraj continues rehabilitation from a back injury that is being managed in Turkiye.
Asian Games and Commonwealth Games foreign training plans for Neeraj Chopra
The javelin thrower aims to extend a strong record at both events, having won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games,
plus Asian Games titles in 2018 and 2022. Neeraj, aged 28 and from Haryana, will travel with long-time physiotherapist Ishaan Marwaha and coach Jai Choudhary under the approved proposal.
The Mission Olympic Cell, chaired by Sh Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports) in the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, has sanctioned expenses for Neeraj's three-member team. Support includes international airfare, hotel stay, meals, visas, medical insurance, extra baggage for javelins and a treatment bed, and an out-of-pocket allowance of USD 25 per person per day for 47 days.
Asian Games and Commonwealth Games foreign training schedule for Manu Bhaker
Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will train in Lucca, Italy, from May 13 to May 22 under another approved plan. Manu, 24, will be joined by coach Jaspal Rana and physiotherapist Snehil Khurana. The sanctioned costs cover travel, accommodation for the full group and range charges, along with other related training expenses.
Manu, a double Olympic medallist at Paris 2024, is expected to compete in the women's 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events at the 2026 Asian Games. The Mission Olympic Cell has viewed Manu as a strong medal prospect and cleared this foreign training block to sharpen form before major competitions.
Asian Games and Commonwealth Games foreign training and competition for Gulveer Singh
Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh will train and race in the United States from May 15 to June 17, a 34-day stint approved by the Mission Olympic Cell. Gulveer will work with a coach during the tour and is scheduled to compete in top events planned in Los Angeles and Nashville.
The runner holds an Asian Games bronze from Hangzhou 2022 and secured gold medals in the 5000m and 10,000m at the Asian Championships. The latest support package aims to provide higher-level race exposure, building on those results before Gulveer targets further medals at the 2026 continental and Commonwealth meets.
The key details of the approved Asian Games and Commonwealth Games foreign training plans are summarised below.
| Athlete | Sport | Location | Dates | Duration | Support Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | Javelin | Bienne, Switzerland | May 25 - July 10, 2026 | 47 days | Ishaan Marwaha, Jai Choudhary |
| Manu Bhaker | Pistol shooting | Lucca, Italy | May 13 - May 22, 2026 | 10 days | Jaspal Rana, Snehil Khurana |
| Gulveer Singh | Long-distance running | United States | May 15 - June 17, 2026 | 34 days | Coach (unnamed) |
With the Commonwealth Games set for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, and the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, these extended overseas blocks are intended to keep India's leading names in peak condition, supported by coaches, physiotherapists and structured competition exposure.
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